THE LIBRARY
CLASS 33Z.4-6
Sm 5 I
-Hosted by
Gop Ir
United States Mint,
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Elaborately Illustrating each Department, the Business Routine,
all Scientific and Mechanical Operations in every Stage
of the Work, the Wonderful Machinery, Rare
Coins, Relics, and Curios in the Cabinet.
Cumitt Coins of l|Joi*Ii
Colonial and Continental Currency, Ancient Greece and Rome.
-^•WITH OVER 1900 FINE ENGRAVINGS**-
AND PULL DESCRIPTIONS.
Biojraplij, Historj, Statistics, lastraction, Eitertaiaaisit.
Valuations of Current Coins, Domestic and Foreign, with much
information for the Business Man, Student,
and General Reader.
PUBLISPIKD BY
A. M. SMITH, Numismatist,
pkiLADELPPIIA, PA.
Copyrighted, 1885.
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INDEX-CONTENTS.
For Countries and Foreign Coins, see Index of Illustrations.
PAGE
Adjusting Room, 16
Alloj^ing and Alloys, 10, 23, 27
Ancient Coins, 130 to 174
Ancient Minting, 32 to 35
Annapolis Coins, 65, 67
Annealing, 12
Assay Ofin^oes, IT. S. 29
Baltimore Pieces, 65, 67
Bar Cent. 69
Barber, Charles E. 32
Bechtler’s Gold Coins, 57
Biography,
Boooy Head Cent,
Books, on Coins,
Booth, James Curtis
Brasher’s Doubloon,
Cabinet, Mint
California Coins,
Cellars, Mint
Cents, 3'
Cents, Half
Chain Cent.
Chaimer’s (joins.
Cleaning Process,
Clinton Copper,
Cobb, Mark,
Coin Books,
Coin Cabinet,
Coin, Changes
Coining, Ancient
Coining, Mediipval
Coining Presses,
Coining Punches,
Coining Room,
Coins, Ancient
Coins and Coining,
Coins, Colonial
Coins, Continental
Coins, Copper
Coins, Foreign
Coins, Georgia
Coins, J ewi^i
Coins, Mediaeval'
Coins, Miner’s Bank
Coins, Mormon
Coins, N. C.
Coins, Nickel
Coins, Private
Coins, TJ. S. 3(
Coins, Unauthorized
Colonial Coins,
37 to 41
61
79
s 32
71
23, 24
45, 57, 59
28
30,59 to 78
63
60
66, 67
18
71
32
79
23 to 24
55 to 63
32, 33, 35
34
18, 35
33, 34
16 to 23
130 to 174
32 to 36
63 to 78
71 to 78
59 to 63
85 to 128
57
170
171 to 174
c 57
59
57
55 , 57
57, 59
30, 41 to 78
cl 57,59
63 to 79
“ Colonies Francoises,” 69
Connecticut Coins, 73
Continental (Joins, 71 to 78
Continental Currency, 77
Copper Coins, 59 to 63
Counting Boards, 22
Counting Coins, 22
Cowries, 32
Cuppellatiom 27
Curiosities, (Jabinet 23, 24
Current Value Tables,
80 to 83, 175, 176
Cutting Presses, 14 to 16
Deposit W eighing Room, 7
Deposit Melting Room, 9
Deposits, 6,7
Directors Philada. Mint, 31,33
Die Making and Dies, 24
Dimes, 49,51
Dismes, 30, 49, 53
Dollars, 45,47, 53
Draw BenchCsS, 14
Du Bois, Patterson 32
Duplicating Dies, 26
Eagles, 24, 30, 41 to 45
Ecfcfeldt, Jacob B. 32
“Elephant” Coins, 67
Employees Phi la. Mint, 28, 32
Engine, The Mint 11
Engraving Process, 24
Fineness of Coins, 41 to 63
First Money Known, 33
Fifty Dollar Piece, 45
Five Cent Coins, U. S. 57
P'ive Dollar Coins, U.8. 41 to 45
Five Dollars, Private, 57, 59
Foreign Coins, Valuation
80 to 83, 175, 176
Fox, Hon. D. M. 32, 37 to 41
“ I'ligio ” Cent, 78
Gobrecht, Artist, 51
Gold, 6, SO
Gold Assay, 27
Gold Coins, Foreign 85 to 7
Gold Coins, U.S. 41 to 47
Gold Coins, Private 24, 57
Granby Coppers, 65
Greek Coins, Ancient 130to 147
Greek Coins, History 131 to 143
Half Cents, 63
Half Dimes, 49 to 55
Half Dismes, 30
Half Dollars, 47 to 55
Half Dollars, g 57
HalfEagle.s, 41
Hammer and Punch, 33 to 56
Hand Press Coining,
28, 30, 38, 3o
History Philada. Mint. 29
“Immiinis Columbia,’^ 47
“In God WeTnist,” 53
Information, General 29
Ingots, 11,30
Je wish Coins, Ancient 170
Kentucky C’oins, 77
Lettered-edge (Joins, 47, 01
Maryland (Joins, 65
Master Pieces, 24
Massachusetts Coins, 75
‘ ‘ Maternal ” Dies, 26
Maundy Money, 24
McClure, R. A. 32
Mediaeval History, 174
Mediaeval Coins^ 171 to 174
Melting and Refining, 9,10
Melting Rooms, 9
Mill and Screw, 34
Milling and Machine, 17
Mint, Middle Ages, 35
Mint, Philadelphia 6 to 32
Mints of the U. S, 24,29
Money Substitutes, 32
Mo rgan, George T. 32
Mormon Coins, 59
Moulds and Ingots, 11
N. G. & N. Coin, 57
New England Coin, 65
New Jersey (Join, 67
New York Coin, 71
Newby’s Coin, 67
Nickel Coin, 57
“^Non Dependens Status,” 69
“Nova Eborac,” 71
Numismatic Works, 79
Officials, Philada. Mint 28,32
One-Cent Pieces, 59 to 78
Overstrikes, 51 to 63
Pattern Pieces, 59, 60
Pennies, U. S. 63 to 78
Pennies, Silver, 24
Philada. U. S. Mint, 5 to 40
Pine Tree Shilling, 65
Planchets, 14,21
Premium Coins, 41 to 78
Presses, Coining 18, 20, 35
“ Cutting 14 to 16
First Steam 30
PAGE
Presses, Hand 28, 80
“ Medal 28
‘ ‘ Perfected 20
“ Rolling 11,12
Prices, Rare Coins 41 to 78
Primitive Coining, 32 to 35
‘ ‘ Proof ’ ’ sets, 24, 28
Punehes, Roman 33,34
Quartation, 27
(Quarter Dollars, g 59
“ “ s 49 to 55
“ Eagles, 41 to 45
Rare U. S. Coins, 41 to 78
Reeding, 21
Refining, 10
Ring Money, 32
Riitenhouse, David 9, 31
Rolling Room, 11,12
Roman Coining, 33, 34
Roman History, 149 to 169
Roman Coins, An’ct 143 to 169
Rooms, Adjusting 16
“ Cleaning 18
“ Coining 16 to 23
“ Deposit Weighing 7
‘ ‘ Engraving 24
“ General Weighing 5
“ Melting 9,10
“ Rolling 11, 12
“ Separating 28
“ Rosa Americana,’’ 67, 69
Savings, 11
Scales, 6,7
Separating metals, 28
Seyss Weighing Machine, 21
I Shekels. 170
Siege iMoney, ^4
Silly Head Cent, 51
Silver, 7,30
Silver Assay, 27
Silver Coins, Foreign 85 to 127
Silv'er Coins, U. S. 3 ), 47 to 55
Silver Table, 88, 83,175,176
Silver Pennies, 24
“ Sommer Island,” 63
Standard Weights, 7. 9
Steam Coining, 19, 80, 35
Steel, William S. 32
Striking Medals, 28
Strips, Metal 11 to 16
Substitutes for Money, 32
Sup’t’cl’ts Phila. Mint, 31,32, 37
Sweepings, 28
Tables, Value 81, 84, 175, 176
Ten Dollars. 57
Ten Dollars, U. S. 45
Three Cents, s and b, 53
Three Dollars, g, 47
Tokens, 71, 73, 75, 77
Transfer Lathe, 26
Twenty Cents, 55
Twenty Dollars, g, 45, 57, 59
Two Cents, 59
26
55
g, 45, 57, 59
59
U. S. Coins, 41 to 78
U. S. Mints, 24 to 29
Value Tables, 81, 84, 175, 176
Vaults, Mint 7, 28
Vermont Coins, 73
Virginia Coins, 69
Washington Pieces, 75 to 77
Washington, President 29
Weights, 7,9
Weighing Rooms, Deposit 7
“ “ General 6
“ System, 6,7,21
Wells, of Mint, 28
Widow’s Mite, 24,170
Wreath Cent, 60
Yard, Mint 6
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INDEX-ILLUSTRATIONS.
For any particular denomination of coins, see under Coins. Initial letters;
er; b, base, this embracing all coins struck in metal other than gold or silver.
Silver
PAGE
Africa (Liberia) s 87
Allegorical Plate 129
Algiers, g 117
America, U. S. g, s and b
30, 44, 46, 48
Ancient Greek Coins, 131 to 147
“ Jewish “ 170
“ Roman “ 149 to 169
Stamps and Dies, 33,34
21
97
97
88
87
87
96
25
44j56
89
102
10
; g, indicates gold;
Annealing Furnaces,
Automatic Weigher
Baden, g and s
Bavaria, s
Belgium, s
Bolivia, s
Brazil, g
Burmah, s
Cabinet, The Mint
California Coins,
Cambodia, s
Canada, s
Casting Ingots,
Cents, Colonial
Cents, F’gn s 85, 87, 96,102,105
Cents, U. S. A. 68, 62, 66 to 74 I Sen, s
Chili, g 90 Sequin, g
China, g and s 91, 92
Gleaning Room, 18
CoiningPresses, 20,35
Coining Punches, 33, 34
Coining Room, 19
Cochin-China, (French), s 96
Coins, Ancient 129 to 174
COINS, Foreign
Anna, b
Baiocchi, s and b
Bani, s
Batzen,»
Boliver, s
Boliviano, s
Buntagui, g
Centavo, s and b
Centime, s and b
85 to 128
101
107
96
125
87
87, 127
113
112, 114
88, 95. 102
Cents, s and b 85,87,96,102,105
Christian d’Or, g 93
Copeck, s and b ■ 121
Crown, s 94, 99
Crusado, g 119
Daler, Species, s 115
Dime, s 110,127
Dinar, s and b 89
Dobra, g 87,119
Dollar, Rigs, s 94
“ Rix, s 101
“ Specie Rigs, s 94
Trade, s 110
“ Twog 102
Doubloon, g and s 90,109, 111
Drachma, g and s 103
Ducat, g 85, 93,104,108.120,124
Escudo, g 109,119
Ecu, s 125
Fanam, s 101
Florin,gands 85, 86,99,104,105
Franc, g and s 88,39,95,109,125
.. 93,124
102
106
105
98
120
92
86
94
96
96
103
108
07
Fred’k d’Or, g
Gourde, s
G nil den, s
Guilder, s
Guinea, g
Imperial, g
Ingot Money, e
Kreutzer, s
Kroner, s
Lei, s
Leu, s
Lepta, s
Lire, s
Mark, g
Miscal, s.
Moidore, g
Ore, s and b
Pagoda, s
Papetto, s
Para, s
Penebat, s
PAGE
116
87,119
94
101
107
89
117
Penny & Pence, s and b 99,100
Pesetas, s 122
Peso, g and s 85,109, 111,
112,114,118
Pfennig, s 97
Phoenix, s 103
Piastre, gand s 123,126
Pistole, g 124
Real, s and b 87,112,118,
122,123
Reis, g 87
Rider, g 104
Rouble, Platina, g and s
120, 121,122
Rupee, gands 96,101,102,
106,116
Scudo, s 107
110
117
100
94,115
118
98
85
101,105
114
91, 92
107, 119
86
89
110,113
109
66 to 74
22
15, 16
93, 94
8
Shilling, s
Skilling, s
Sol, s
Sovereign, g
Sovereign d’Or, g
Stiver, s
Sucre, s
Tael, g and s
Testoon, g
Thaler, s
Tical, s
Yen, g and s
Colombia. U. S. of g
Coppers, Colonial
Counting Board,
Cutting Press,
Denmark, g and s ^
Deposit Weighing Room
Dies, 24,
Dismes, 30
Drawing Bench, 14
East Indies (British), s 101,102
“ “ (Holland), s 106
Ecuador, s 114
Egypt, g 126
Fifty Dollars, Cal. 44
Fox, Hon. D. M. Frontispiece
France, s 1)5, 96
Furnaces, U. S. Mint 10, 13
General Weighing Room 9
Germany, g and s 97
G’t Britain, g and s 98 to 102
Greece, g and s 103
Greek Coins, Ancient 131 to 147
Half-Cents, b 62
Hamburg, s 97
Hayti, s 102
Hawii, s 127
Hessen, s 97
Holland, g and s 104,105,106
I-Ionduras.s 85
Ingot and Moulds 11
Italy, g and s 107, 108,109, 110
Japan, gands 113,128
Jewish Coins, Ancient 170
Liberia, s 87
Mediajval Coins, 171 to 474
Melting and Refining 10
Mexico, g and s 111, 112
Milling Machine, 17
Miner’s Bank, Cal. Coins 66
Mint, rhiladel])hia 6
Mint, jMedimval 35
Monaco, Italy g and s
Money, Ingot s
Mormon Coinage
Morocco, g and s
Moulds and Ingot,
N. G. & N. Eagle,
Netherlands, g and s 104.105
X'o'ijir Ril TO
PAGE
109
92
56
113, 116
11
56 .
New England Coins 64,70
Newfoundland, s 102
New Granada, s 114
Nickel Cents, 62
Norway, s 115
Pennies, U. S. 64 to 72
Perforated Strip, 16
Persia, g and s 116,17
Peru, s 118
Portugal, g 119
Presses, 15,16, 20, 85
Prussia, 97
Refining and Melting, 10
Rolling Machine, 12, 13
Roman Coins, 149 to 169
Roumania, s 96
Rome, Italy, s 107
Rooms, Cabinet 25
“ Cleaning 18
“ Coining 19
“ Deposit‘Weighing 8
“ General Weighing 6
Rosa Americana Pennies 66
Russia, P, g and s 120,121,122
San Francisco Coinage 44, 56
Sandwdeh Islands, s 127
Shekels, n 170
Servia, s 89
Seyss Weighing Machine, 21
Siam, s '■ 85
Sicily, Italy, s 108
Sommer Island Brass, 64
Spain, s 122,123
Stamps, Ancient 33, 34, 35
Standard Troy Weights 9
Sweden, s 115
Switzerland, g and s 124,125
Tokens, Colonial and U. S. 74
Tripoli, g
Tunis, g
Turkey, g
U. S. A., Coins
Early Coinages,
Cents, b
Cents, Half b
Dollars, Various s
“ Bland
“ Trade
“ I’s, 2’s and 3’s,
“ Half, s
“ Quarter, s
Dimes, s
“ Half, s
Dismes, s
Eagles, g
“ Double
** Half
“ Quarter
Five cents, b
Three cents, s and b
Twenty cents, s
Two cents, b
U. S. Colombia, g
Unauthorized Coinages,
117
117 ^
126
30, 40 to 62
30, 44, 46, 48
58, 62
62
46, 48
54
64, 110
5 44
46, 48
48
46, 38
50, 54
30
42.44
4-1
42, 44
42
58
54, ,58
54
58
109
56
Venezuela, s "" 87,127
Washington Pieces, 68, 74
Weighing Machine, Seyss 21
Weighing Room, Deposit 8
Weighing Room, General 6
Weights, Standard Troy 9
Widow’s Mite, 170
Wurtemburg, s 97
S32S18
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YISITOfi’S GUIB®
—TO THE—
The special object of this volume is implied in its title.
The author has for years furnished a work of somewhat similar
character ; in the light of past experience and observation he has
entirely re-written the book with a view to giving visitors, first,,
full information as to the operations they witness and the depart¬
ments into which they are introduced; next, a detailed account of all
matters directly connected with this institution and the money of
the United States, and finally a general summary of the world’s
coinage.
The first portion is so brief, that it can be read while watching
the routine, manipulation and machinery by which the various
metals are converted into bright coin, yet so comprehensive, and
so graphically illustrated, that one who never visits the city or Mint
may become fully acquainted with its workings, the whole being a
great aid to the visitor, a pleasant reminder ever after, and most
interesting, instructive reading at all times. The general infor¬
mation is not only valuable, but entertaining, care having been
taken to avoid all technicalities, tabulated figures, statistics,
financial essays, extracts from official documents, and other dry-
as-dust book-making material, valueless to the general public and
^hanging-every tAvelve months, or more frequently.
Visitors to the Mint desire A Ouidb, bright, intelligent, clear,
and interesting,—as such, this work is presented, and, the pub¬
lisher believes, entirely fulfils its mission.
Respectfully,
Philadelphia^ Pa, A. M. S.
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DIRECTOR OF THE MINT
JAMES PUTNAM KIMBAUL, PH. D.
The title ‘‘Director of the Mint,” inadequately indicates either the
importance or the varied and responsible functions of that office. The officer
bearing this modest designation is the Director of all the establishments
having any connection with United States coinage, ten dilferent institutions
being under his charge and jurisdiction, instead of a single mint, as literally
implied by the statutory title.
The Bureau of the Mint of the Treasury Department of the United States,
at Washington, D. C,, is the general executive division of the mint estab¬
lishments of the nation, including also the several U. S. Assay Offices. Four
mints, of the five existing, are now equipped for coinage. Of these, three are
in active operation, the Mint at Carson City, Nevada, being at present closed ;
while the institution at Denver which has never yet been prepared to coin
money, is conducted as an Assay Office.
The Mint at Philadelphia, prior to the Coinage Act of 1873, was styled the
U. S. Mint, and was under personal supervision of the Director. The others,
at New Orleans, La.; Charlotte, N. C.; Dahlonega, Ga.; San Francisco,
Cal.; and Carson City, Nev., were all called Brancb Mints of the United
States. Assay Offices were established in New York, 18i^ Denver, Col.,
1864; Boise City, Idaho, 1872; Helena, Montana, 1874;^t. Louis, Mo.,
1881. The Mint at Charlotte, N. C. coined money from 1836 until closed by the
Civil War. Its minting equipment being then removed has never been replaced
and its business has since been that of an Assay Office. From 1838 to 1861,
coins were struck at the Dahlonega establishment, and in 1871 the property
passed out of the hands of the government.
The Coinage Act of 1873, established the Bureau of the Mint as a division
of the Treasury Department. It also placed the Mint at Philadelphia, Pa.,
under the immediate supervision of a Superintendent^ as in the case of
all the other mints.
The functions of the Bureau of the Mint are fully prescribed by the Re¬
vised Statutes, and further indicated by special provisions of subsequent
appropriation acts, such, for instance, as relate to the collection of statistics
of the production of the precious metals of the United States.
The officer at the head of these widely scattered establishments, Dr.
James Putnam lUmball, w'as one of the appointments made by President
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JAMES PUTNAM KIMBALL.
Cleveland which called forth heartiest endorsement from those who best knew
the man, who were fittest able to judge of his peculiar adaptability for the
high position, and who most fully understood the nature of his duties. He
received his call to the post late in June, 1885. In its issue of July 4th,
The Engineering aifid Minmg Journal of ]S;ew York, that high authority, says:
It has rarely happened, that the government has made an appointment
so generally satisfactory, and there is no doubt Dr. Kimball’s work will jus¬
tify the general congratulations that his appointment has brought to tlie
government.”
A biographical sketch of the officer referred to necessarily calls for
some mention of his ancestry. Inquiry develops such remarkable and note¬
worthy incidents in connection with the Kimball blood, so long and honorably
identified with our land and nation that regret must be expressed at the
brevity with which space requires they shall be stated.
On the tenth day of April, 1634 (old style) Richard Kimball (Kemball),
then aged 39 years, with several members of his family, embarked at Ipswich,
County of Suffolk, England, in the ship Elizabeth, William Andrews, Mas¬
ter; and sailed for America and New England, landing at Ipswich, Massa¬
chusetts. The young man who was to found a family of freemen, first settled
at Watertown, on the borders of Cambridge, and in Dr. Bond’s map of that
town, his homestead is noted as a tract of six acres.
In Robert S. Rantoul’s ‘‘Memoir of James Kimball,” Essex Institute,
Salem, Mass., in “The Joseph Kimball Family,’’ by John Kimball, A.M.,
Concord, N. H., 1885, and in the history of the early days of our country
many interesting and quaint reminiscences of this ancestry, paternal and ma¬
ternal are recorded.
Dr. Kimball’s great grandfather, William Russell, was found to be a true
American, when came the times for noble action. As a “Son of Liberty ” he
took part in the first overt act of the Revolution, in the destruction of the cargo
of tea in Boston Harbor. When hostilities broke out he fought the British and
Hessians on sea^nd land. As Adjutant of the Massachusetts Artillery he par¬
ticipated in the Rhode Island campaign of 1777-78. Afterwards, while secre¬
tary to Commander John Manley on the U. S. war vessel, Jason he was captured
by the enemy’s frigate Surprise, and suffered the horrors of Mill Prison
until June 24th, 1782, when liberated through exchange. His journal written
during those terrible days, has been published by his grandson, and from it
we learn that while in durance, he still fought on the side of liberty and
enlightenment, by establishing a school and teaching his fellow-prisoners.
A few days after his release he was again on the water fighting for
the right. Again he was captured and tortured once more in the infamous
prison-ship Jersey.
Hon. James Kimball, father of the subject of this sketch was a prominent
and most honored citizen, of Salem, Mass. Up to within a short time pre¬
vious to his death, in 1883, he was presiding member of the Board of County
Commissioners, having been continuously elected to that responsible office for
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JAMES PUTNAM KIMBALL.
some twenty years. He served several terms in the legislature of Massa¬
chusetts, and as alderman of his native city. During the civil war, when
politics and feelings ran high, he occupied the post of Chairman of the Essex
County Eepublican Committee. In the Masonic fraternity also he was con¬
spicuous and wore the honors of its highest grade. His historical and anti¬
quarian papers prepared for the Essex Institute, and which exhibit research
and ability, are greatly prized and very valuable.
JAMES PUTNAM KIMBALLf the present Director of the
Mint, horn at Salem, Mass., April 26, 1836, is the only son
of the late James Kimball. His education after completing
the curriculum at the High School of his native city was
advanced by attendance successively at Harvard, the University
of Friedrich Wilhelm, Berlin; George Augusta University, Goettingen,
and the School of Mines at Freiberg, in Saxony. From his Goettin¬
gen Alma Mater, in 1857, he received the degree of A. M., Artium
Magisier-j and Ph. D., Philosophia Docto7\ He returned from Europe
in 1859, and was soon after engaged upon the Geological Survey
of the states of Wisconsin and Illinois, under leadership of that
able geologist. Prof J. D. Whitney, now of Harvard University.
When about twenty-three years of age, in 1860, Dr. Kimball
accepted the chair of Chemistry and Economic Geology in the then
recently established New York State Agricultural College at Ovid,
since merged in Cornell University. Here he was engaged when the
civil war broke out. The president of the college, Gen. Marsena R.
Patrick, a graduate of the Military Academy at West Point, and a
veteran of the Mexican and Florida campaigns, took the field as
Brigadier General of United States Volunteers, and in April, 1861,
Dr. Kimball, commissioned by President Lincoln Assistant Adjutant
General U. S. Volunteers, with the rank of Captain, became his
Chief of Staff.
Continuously, first in the Army of The Rappahannock under
General McDowell, then in the Armies operating against Richrnondj
Captain Kimball discharged the duties assigned to him, act¬
ively participating in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Groveton, Manassas, Chantilty, Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg, and in many minor engagements. After the battle of
Antietam, General Patrick, having been appointed Provost-Marshal-
General of the Armies operating against Richmond, this officer along
with his own staff became part of the General Staff of the Army of
the Potomac. Capt. Kimball thus served on the staff, successively, of
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JAMES PUTNAM KIMBALL.
Generals McClellan, Burnside, Hooker and Meade, until that army,
in December, 1862, went into winter quarters, when the state of
his health, much impaired by camp life, obliged him to resign. In
1863 he received the Brevet of Major.
Dr. Kimball then established himself in the city of New York,
and entered upon the practice of his profession as a geologist and
mining engineer, quickly acquiring a valuable connection and an
increasing clientage. He has been forced into conspicuous notice
as one particularly identified with the development of the mineral
resources of the United States, professional duties and commissions
having called him to most of the mining regions of the Union and
beyond its borders, into Canada, Mexico and the West Indies.
In 1873, Dr. Kimball married. It is rather singular that his
wife’s great grandfather. Colonel Michael Farley, of Ipswich, was,
along with her husband’s forefather, also one of the thirty brave
Sons of Liberty who formed the Boston Tea Party on the 16th of
December, 1773.
Dr. Kimball accepted the honorary chair of Geology in the
Lehigh University at Bethlehem, Penna., in 1873. There he has
continuously made his home, retaining however, his business and
professional connections in New York citjq his reputation in such
relations being fully equal to his high social position. His name
stands upon the rolls of the Century, Union and other clubs of that
city where he is. as well known as in Pennsylvania, of which state he
is a citizen. At the time of his governmental appointment, he was
operating as President of the Everett Iron Company, one of the
most extensive blast furnaces in Pennsylvania. He is a Avell-known
writer and acknowledged authority on scientific and technical
subjects, many papers from his pen liaving been published by the
scientific journals, and in the proceedings of learned societies, both
in his native land and Europe.
As Director of the Mint, Dr. Kimball is an eminent illustration
of the right man in his proper place.
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE
U. S. MINT.
Philadelphia has always been the home of the ^Tarent” Mint of
the United States, the first money-coining institution of our govern¬
ment having been established here in 1792.
The Mint of to-day stands on the N. W. Corner of Chestnut and
Juniper Streets. As visitors, we mount the many steps of the marble
building and, passing through the doorway, halt in a small rotunda
vestibule, with seats against its walls, and, standing there, look, in
front, directly along a passage or hall way, on the right, into the
Cashier’s office, and on the left into the Warrent and Clerk’s Depart¬
ment,
An Usher, with gentlemanly courtesy advances, and learning that
our visit is one of observation immediately starts with us on a tour
of the building, conducting us into every portion where it is proper
or practicable to admit strangers. As we pass down the hallway direct¬
ly facing the entranee, we gain sight, through a cloorAvay on the right
hand side into the
General Weighing Room
where the immense but perfectly exact scales represented in the cut
weigh the bullion at the time it is received and again test the exacti-
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MIISTT.
tude of all gold and silver coin before delivery. We notice with
admiration the ponderous but beautifully graceful balances, which
oenehal weighing room.
never shirk work or give a false report. This splendid Balance is
probably the largest and finest in the world ; the beam, of bronze, six
feet in length, rests upon an iron column about five feet high ; its
extreme capacity is 10,000 troy ounces,—about 685 pounds, but such
is its sensibility, that even when thus loaded, it exhibits a variation
at the one-hundredth part of an ounce ; there is no feature of more
conspicuous importance to the proper transaction of business in the
entire building. It was made by Mr. Henry Troemner, of Philadel¬
phia, who, for the last quarter of a century has manufactured all the
fine scales used by the government for the weighing of precious metals.
Now, aiid treading quickly on the footsteps of our guide, we enter
The Yard
or square court. Rising about five feet from the pavement, against
the surrounding buildings, are cages formed of heavy latticed Avire
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YISITOE’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT..
work, within which are piled, tier upon tier of metal blocks, roughly
squared, irregular in size, each stamped with its weight, and looking
too dull to be silver, too bright to be lead;—but silver they are, and
'it is in this shape the bullion is received from'-the-Assay ofiBices.
Each “pig” weighs from the 85 to 140 pounds and an average of over
two tons a day is melted and coined. A small building on the right
was formerly an Office for counting and redemption of copper coins,
it is now the.,quarters of Adam’s Express Go. in their connection with
U. S. coin transportation.
Turning to the left, through the 'windows, we gain a view of
- The Deposit Weighing Room
with great scales, strong of pillar and beam, and many large, heavy
brass Aveights. Here all- the precious metals are again Aveighed and
the pounds, ounces and' grains of each block exactly determined.
There can be no mistake Avith these.scales, they are the perfection of
precision, the largest Avill Aveigh from six thousand ounces to the
one-hundredth part of an ounce, the next in size accommodates three
thousand ounces at one balancing, and the smallest of all Avill serve
three hundred at a time. The Aveights are graded from five hundred
ounces to five grains, troy, Avhich is sufficiently exact at this stage of
the process.
The system of Aveighing and recording which begins in this room
is carried out Avith every transfer of the metal until it is delivered, as
coin, to the Cashier, and the slightest discrepancy or deficiency, not
accounted for by loss through manipulation is at once detected and
located.
On the right of this room is a Amilt, Avhere, piled from floor to roof,
roAV in front of roAV, behind a Avire screen,'are hundreds of small yel-
loAV “bricks,”—gold ! CroAvded into that small end of the small vault
there is in sight from thirty to- thirty-five million dollar^^ Avorth of
gold. TAvelve of these treasure vaults are in the building, strong as
solid masonry, double iron doors, metal linings, and the most thief-
thAvarting locks can make them.
Standard Weights.
Troy weight, standard of Great Britain, only is used at this Mint.
To trace back the system of weights and measures, the mode of ascer¬
taining the standard and all matters connected thereAvith is a most
interesting study, impossible to give briefly and too extended for
these pages.
Cut No. 1, presents exactly, in size and design, the Exchecquer Stand¬
ard Troy Founds made a bell-metal, under orders from Queen Eliza¬
beth. There is no single pound Troy AA'^eight of this series, that
amount being determined by the 8 oz. and 4 oz. here pictured. In-
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9
side the four ounce cup smaller weights fit, down to 1 oz, and larger
cups receive the 8 oz., until 256 ozs. are reached. The set from which
this engraving is taken is yet in fine condition, and until 1824 they
STANDARD ONE POUND TROY TEST WEIGHT.
were used to regulate all the weights in the Kingdom. In that year
the “Imperial Standards” were substituted, the brass Troy pound of
1768 being declared the only “original and genuine standard; cut
No. 2, is a fac simile, in size and every particular of this “parent”
pound Troy, now in the Standards Office, London, and it is a dupli¬
cate of this, in bronze, which is used in the U. S. Mint of Philadeljohia,
to gauge all the official troy weights of the government.
A warm reception is given us in
The Deposit Melting Room,
to which the gold goes first after leaving the weighers, in iron boxes,
each with two locks. Here four furnaces are glowing with fierce
flames in the midst of which are crucibles of plumbago, black-lead
pots,' in which the precious metal is being reduced to a state of pour¬
ing fluidity. These crucibles are placed in the furnaces empty, on a
stand, which rests upon the grate, and which is filled with common
coke-dust to guard against adhesion of the pot to the stand, the fires
are lighted and the crucibles gradually heated in order to preyent
cracking which might happen if intense flame was at once applied.
The metal is introduced while the crucibles are in the furnace, also
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
borax and other “fluxing” materials, a “muffle” of baked clay is then
put over each pot, and this again topped with a fiat cover made of
black lead, with which protection the fire can entirely surround the
vessel, and the heat being thus equally distributed, renders the melt¬
ing uniform, thus insuring a thorough mixture, a most important
matter. When sufflciently fluid the contents of each crucible is cast
into a bar, which is numbered and a small piece cut from it goes to
the Assay Department and there, from the sample, is ascertained the
proportion of pure metal in the deposit.
Following the regular course we next enter the
Rooms for Melting and Refining.
There are two of these, for silver and gold respectively. The neces¬
sary amount of alloy for each lot of either is regulated at the offlco
of this dei3artment and sufflcient added to bring the bullion up to U.
S. Standard for coin, and also to secure the hardness, above that of
native metal, necessary for the durability of pieces in circulation.
The melting operations are similar to those described, the metal be¬
ing placed in the crucibles after these have been thoroughly tested in
the fire, the large blocks of silver are loAvered by means of a crane,
chain and hooks. When a proper stage of liquefaction is reached
sufficient of the glowing metal is ladled out to fill a crucible, grasped
by red hot tongs and from it is poured into moulds whence it emerges
as “ingots,” small bars, about a foot in length, half an inch in thick¬
ness, and regulated in width from one to two-and-a-half inches, ac-
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11
cording to the size of the coin into which they are to be manufacturedo
They are not unlike large railroad spikes, one end being ^ shaped tO'
permit of its first introduction between the rollers. Here are cast al¬
so the bars of gold and silver which are bought for fine art and com-
INGOT AiSTD MOULDS.
mercial use, the weight- and value of each being stamped upon it in.
the deposit loom. The gold ingots vary in value from about five-
hundred dollars to nearly three times that amount.
In the melting, room for gold and in many other departments the
floors are overlaid with hexagon,'latticed iron plates, through which
fall the sniall particles of gold that adhere to the shoes of the opera¬
tives, or are otherwise detached, the sweeping- of the floors are care¬
fully preserved, properly treated to obtain the gold therein and over
twenty thousand dollars worth of the precious metal is thus saved
annufilly. The towels, gloves, and Avater used in cleansing are also-
made to yield up the yellow grains they haA^e accumulated and these
increase the ‘‘Savings” account by a very considerable aggregate. On
the same side of the building and adjoining these rooms are the seA^^en
melting furnaces Avhere co]3j)er, nickle and other base metals are pas¬
sed through the fire, the j^i’ocess is so nearly identical Avith that des¬
cribed for gold and silA"er as to require no special mention.
As we move on through the corridor to the next dejoartment Ave
pause to look -doAvn, through a windoAV, into a large vault-like room
in Avhich is
The Tamous Mint Engine
which supplies much of the motiA'e pOAver for the heaAy machinery
of the establishment; it is a ponderous, beautiful triumph of mechan¬
ical art, of 160 horse-power, almost noiseless in its AA^orking and pos¬
sessing peculiarities of construction Avhich render it unlike any other;
it has steadily done its Avork for OA^er forty years and is still ‘^good
as new.”
The Rolling Rooli,
is next entered, and our illustration giA^es a A’cry clear idea of the en¬
tire operation. These rollers can be adjusted to produce any thick¬
ness of “ ribbon,” and the ingots are passed between the steel surfaces
at the rate of 200 an hour, in the process of “ breaking doAvn,” until
they become the proper sized strii^s from AAdiich to cut the “ planchets ”
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YISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
that are to receive impressions and become coins. Ten times the
gold is passed through the rollers, seven times the silver, and the
twelve inch ingot that began, at the last measures six times that
length. The immense pressure necessary, heats the large rollers in¬
tensely, as well as the metal strips which have to be several times
annealed in the furnaces, during the process, to prevent brittleness
and breaking.
ROLLING MACHINE AS SEEN BY THE PUBLIC.
The Annealing Process.
To soften the elongated ingots, they are, at this stage, once more
subjected to the action of fire in the Annealing Furnaces. To
guard against any loss of gold, from abrasion or other cause, the
strips are placed in a copper case before being placed in the furnace,
the silver strips, backed up to the door of the heated chamber on a
bench resting on a high, wheeled truck, are jiut in without any j)ro-
tective covering. Then the heavy port-holes or doors of the furnaces
are shut, b}^ massive weights, raised or lowered by chains running
over grooved wheels; and the metals are subjected to heat from burn¬
ing oak wood, which alone is used here; until a certain red heat
is reached, the exact temperature of which is not known, the ex¬
perienced eye of the operator detecting the proper moment for re¬
moval. The bars, when withdrawn, are by chain and crane deposited
into a wire basket and lowered into a tank through which constantly
flows a stream of clear water, where they remain until cool, and when
taken out are sufficiently soft for all further manipulation. The cut
on next page hiithfully represents the interior of this department,—
one workman looks into the furnace to see if the strips are sufficiently
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YISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
iinnealed, two others are rolling the bench with a new charge of silver
bars, and on the left is the bath in which silver strips are cooling.
The time required in annealing the silver strips is about twenty
minutes ; the average amount of metal placed in a furnace as a charge
is three hundred pounds, and from fifteen to twenty charges a day
are put through each furnace in operation.
It sometimes happens that lumps of hard metal are found in the
strij^s, rendering the surface uneven; planchets cut from such j^or-
tion would be too heavy and to correct this the strips go to
The Drawing Benches,
a table with a noisy endless chain, running from right to left, and
a little carriage with pincer attachment which grips securely one end
of the strip showing edgewise between two perpendicular cylinders of
isteel in an iron box or bed. secured to one end of the bench. These
THE DRAWTHG HENCH.
are “ set ” at exactly the distance apart which it is desired to have
the strip in thickness; the attendant touches a foot- 2 :)cdal; the
pincers nip the strip ; another touch, and a hook attaches the car¬
riage to the chain and away it goes to the other end, dragging the
strip after it, leaving every irregularity behind and coming through
exactly jDerfect. ^ The moment the cylinders release the metal ribbon,
it is dropped by the pincers, and the carriage rolls back to its starting
point to be again fed.
Then the strips are well washed and passed over to
The Cutting Presses,
of which there are six, in the same room, behind the rollers.
The Guide shows two illustrations of the cutter,” as it appears
in operation and as it is entire. Each press is supplied with a steel
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15
CUTTING PRESS.
punch suitable for a different sized coin. The strips are weighed be¬
fore being punched, and if exact or over weight they are passed, as
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16 VISITOE’S GUIDE TO THE*U. S. MINT.
any surplus can be filed off, if too light they are returned for remelt¬
ing ; through the cutter the average number number of planehets ”
CUTTING PRESS AS SEEN BY THE PUBLIC.
PERFORATED STRIP.
or round pieces dropped per minute is 225, though a speed of 280
can be obtained. Tlie perforated strips go back to the crucible.
We follow the planehets into
The Coining Room,
at the northern end of which they are tlirown upon a table for sort¬
ing ; all that show the least imperfection are slipped through a hole
into the rejected box, wliile the perfect ones, placed in another re¬
ceptacle are carried to
' The Adjusting Room,
wliere the nimble fingers of many ladies and the perfect- accuracy of
the delicate scales Ixdbre each operative quickly prove the weight of
every blank ; if too heavy, but nearly right, a few strokes of a fine
file makes it perfect, if greatly over weight, it must be remelted. The
scales used here are so senskive that, even free circulation of air is not
permitted in the room.
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S.MINT. 17
After ajclustment, the planchets return again to the coining depart¬
ment, and, as a preliminary to stamping, are put through
The Milling Machine;
the lady attendant feeds the brass cylinder on top with planchets,
and each lower piece as it sinks beneath the level of the bed-plate is
struck by a revolving feeder which drives it horizontally between a
revolving steel wheel on one side, and a fixed segment on the other,
and after making four revolutions it drops into a box beneath with
the edges turned up slightly higher than the device will be in relief
milling machine in operation.
after the coin is struck, and thus effects the object, which is to protect
the face of the finished coin and also to admit of the idling of pieces
one on the other. Many persons call the fluting or reeding !’ on
coins the milled edge,” this is an error, and tlic reeding is part of
the process of coining. These machines do their work with wonder¬
ful rapidity, but the planchets by the time they are so far through,
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO U. S. MINT.
are dirty, black, greasy, and look like anything but silver. In order
to prepare them for reception of the mark which shall convert them
into coin, they are transferred to
The Cleaning Room,
where they are jolaced in large steel pans or bowls and put into an
oven or furnace until the heat causes them to show a color like
gold; then a swinging crane, with its hooks and chains, grapples the
bowl, brings it over and lowers all down into a tank containing an
acid, cleansing solution in a boiling state, and all of the foreign ac¬
cumulation which has withstood the action of fire, is by the acid re¬
moved.
THE CLEANING EOOM.
Next the planclicts, wet from their bath, are poured into the end
of a revolving wire cylinder in which is a quantity of dry, hot saw¬
dust in which the blanks are AvhMed around by the rotating cylinde r
until when they reach the lower end they are dry, clean, bright,
and ready for
The Coining Room and Peess.
In this, one of the most interesting Departments, are ten of the
^^perfected coining presses” of different sizes and adapted for produc¬
ing the various denominations, each press capable of finishing from
80 to 120 beautiful pieces of money per minute, the hand of a lady
being its only assistant in the work. The arch of the press and table
on which it rests are massive iron. In the intc'vior of the arch is a
nearly circular plate ofbrv^s called a‘Trien 'le,” fastened to a lever
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO U. S. MINT.
above by two steel bands “stirrups/’ one of which can be recognized
in the cut to the right of the arch ; the stout arm above it is also by
a ball-and-socket joint, connected with the triangle and it is this-
arm which forces it down. The arm connects with the lever above
by a knee-joint and when the crank lifts the further end of the lever
the knee is drawn in and the arm forced down until it is perfectly
straight, at which stage the crank has made a revolution and again
the lever is lowered, the knee forced out and the arm again raised all
of which motions are followed by the triangle with the same regul¬
arity. Buried in the lower part of the arch, under the triangle is the
“die stake/’ a steel cup in which is fastened a die, bearing the reverse
impression of the coin to be struck ; the base of this die rests solidly
PRESENT FEKFECTED COINING PRESS.
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21
on the iron bed, its face projects about an eighth of an inch above
and over this is placed a steel “collar’’ fluted or “reeded” inside, of
exact diameter to receive snugly a blank or planchet; The obverse
die is fastened into the triangle above. Into an upright tube, just in
front of the triangle is fed the planchets, the bottom of these is seized
by a pair of steel fingers, carried over the collar and dei^osited upon
the reverse die, then the Knee of the Press straightens, the obverse
die in the triangle is forced into the collar, a pressure of about eighty
tons is brought to bear upon the imprisoned planchct, the impression
is made, the expanding metal is forced into the collar flutings, “reed¬
ing” results; then the Knee is bent, raising the die about half an
inch, the die-stake is elevated so that the newly made coin upon it
just clears above the collar, and the feeders, which have been waiting
their turn for work, come with another blank and push the money
off on an incline down which it slides into a box beneath.
Seyss Automatic Weighing Machine
is a peculiar attraction of the coining room, one of the most marvel¬
ous and complicated pieces of mechanism in existence. It has ten
scales to which the planchets are fed through cylinders, and every
piece is weighed, the “shorts,” the “overweights” and the exact pieces
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22 YISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
are distributed into different boxes, to be disposed of as the Mint
laws direct, and if two pieces try to struggle into place at one time
an electrical monitor sound the alarm and then only is human inter-
yention necessar}".
The Counting Boards
used in this Department, and which the cut here given will illustrate;
arc very simiile but most efficacious aids in expediting businees.
They are flat Avooden surfaces, Avith parallel divisions of thin copper
strips, rising just as high as a cent or dime is thick. The coins are
throAvn upon the board and settle in the ridges ; all not finding place
are SAA^ept to and tilted off the hinged end, the amount remaining on
and filling the board is recorded and they are turned into a draAver.
Here also the larger silver coins are first counted by hand, then
each thousand pieces are Aveighed, a slight deviation, above or beloAV
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TISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT. 23
the exact standard is allowed to pass, bnt it mnst he veey slight,
for by law the variation in one thonsand double eagles, when deliver¬
ed to the Coiner, must not exceed seventy-two grains.
Having now witnessed the mechanical operations by which the
native metal is converted into the. mighty dollar, before describing
the artistbe and scientific departments, not open to the general public,
we follow onr guide to the second floor of the building and enter
The Cabinet
where, in rooms or a room, fifty-four feet long by sixteen wide, peeu-
liarly adapted for the purpose, is displayed a collection of interesting
relies of ancient and modern times that would give the intelligent-
student months of enjoyable study, and are sufficient to.satisfy the
appetite of the most greedy curiosity-seeker. Special custodians re¬
ceive as here. The official existence of The Cabinet began in June
1838, but the wisdom and zealousness of Mr. Adam Eckfeldt, chief
coiner, had led him, for years before, to collect pattern pieces of our
own, and the best specimens he could obtain of foreign coinage, so
that very considerable and valuable material was on hand at that
time. Additions have constantly been made, by purchase, -pieces res¬
cued from the melting pot, contributions and our own “master” or
“proof ” coins, terms applied to those first struck from new dies, with
extra care, and preserved from all contact which might wear them
or dim the brilliancy of their polish. The relics are so numerous '
that extended description or even mention of all can not be given
here. There are fine portraits, of the different Directors and Superin¬
tendents of the Mint, a splendid collection of classified mineral ores,,
for the purchase of which, also coins, Congress, in 1839, gave the sum
of $1,000, and 300 dollars has since been annually appropriated for
like purposes. Here are the Standard Test Scales, used to prove the
weights sent to all U. S, Branch Mints and Assay Offices, and so sen¬
sitive as to show a variation of the twenty-thousendth part of an
ounce. Left of the entrance is a framed fac simile of the law which
established the U. S. Mint, as signed by Thomas Jefferson, then Sec¬
retary of State under President Washington, opposite is a case con¬
taining strips exhibiting the color of gold, in its native state and as-
alloyed with copper or silver, above this case hangs a cast from the-
face of Cromwell, duplicate of one taken immediately after the death
of England’s great Protector. The grand American Eagle, in a case;
near the exit door, for six years of his life was an inhabitant of the
Mint, and was killed there by accident, he served as a model for the
bird seen on the first or pattern nickel pieces in 1856, and put in
general circulation in 1857, and upon other coins. Near the western
window is Seguier’s Machine for sorting coins,-its work being in a
great measure similar to that of the Seyss Weigher seen in operation
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO U. 8. MINT.
24
in the coining room. The collection of Washington and other medals,
struck in Commemoration of great men and noble deeds, serve to re¬
call the glories of our nation. Colonial coins of every variety, are
exhibited and these originals will serve to prove the correctness of
our illustrations. In cases, placed against the walls, in the doorways
and the middle room are coins of the ancient Greeks and Romans,
Persians, Egyptians and Jews. These have been admirably classified
by the expert, Mr. William E. DuBois, Assayer of the Mint, and each
one of the specimens, with many more, are pictured and described
elsewhere in The Guide. There is a very complete collection of
mediaeval and modern coins of almost every nation on the face of the
earth which possesses a metallic currency, and of these also we give
FAC SIMILE in this work. There are silver pennies of William, The
Conqueror; Scotch pennies, very rare; a penny of Robert II of Scot¬
land, said to be the only specimen extant; the “ widow’s mite” known
to every reader of the Bible, is in these cases, “ Siege Money,” made
when the roar of guns drown the sound of hammers that fashioned
the rude coin from silver plate, is represented by a pound Stirling of
Charles I. Maundy” and Gun” money of James II; Tokens of
En/rland, Ireland and Scotland are plenty and even some counterfeits
are given a place, on account of the excellent rascality exhibited in
their manufacture. Among the U. S. coins there is a Double Eagle
of 1849, Avhich is the only coin of that denomination struck during
that year and bearing that date, also a Quarter-Eagle of 1842, the
single one so far as known, in existence. There is a series of bullet”
money of Siam, which ranges from one-third of a cent to five dollars.
The “private” gold coins of the Pacific Coats, Utah, N. Carolina and
Georgia are to be here seen and are described in this work. In fact a
leisurely and careful perusal of The Guide will recall each feature
of the Cabinet as well as the whole Mint, and enable the reader to
mentally review the entire establishment.
We have now made the tour of all the Departments open to the
public, but if the visitors will follow The Guide they will obtain a
perfectly clear understanding of all that goes on behind the closed
doors. We will first describe
The Engraving Rooms
reached by way of the gallery which runs
around the building. At the Philadelphia Mint
are engraved all the dies used in it and the
Branch Mints of the United States ; those made
for New Orleans are distinguished by the let¬
ter “0” which is found upon all pieces there
coined, “S” is placed upon those struck at
San Francisco, and “C. C” upon the money
DIES
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26 VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MIOT.
made at Carson City. Dies also are here made for medeils or¬
dered by government and it is permitted ^Driblic or iDrivate institn-
tions, corporations or individuals, to have dies made and medals
struck at this Mint on pa 3 unent of actual cost of production. The
design is first made upon a large scale and then, by means of The
Transfer Lathe it is reduced to any desired size, with an exact¬
ness of proportion to the original utterly unattainable to the human
ey.e and hand. Though machinery does much, yet the production of
dies for such an institution as the mint requires man’s art, genius, cul-
ivation and mechanical skill, of the highest order, and the finest ma¬
terials. The steel used must be of moderately fine grain and uniform
in texture, showing, when polished, no spots or patches even Avhen
under a powerful magnifying glass. From such metal two short dies-
are forged ; and, by being put in an iron pot, heated to a red heat,,
and allowed to cool slowly, they are ^‘annealed” or made soft ; then
they are faced flat and smooth in a lathe and ready for the engraver-
who traces upon them the design and ^proceeds to' work it out with
hard steel tools. When sufflciently finished to pass the most critical
examination, the dies are hardened, an operation requiring greatest
care in order that all fine lines may be preserved intact; A mask of
fixed oil, or oil thickened with animal charcoal, or of lamjDblack and
linseed oil, is put over each face and they are then placed, face down-
w'ard, in a crucible and roasted in animal charcoal until a cherry-red
heat is reached, then they are i^lunged into a large tank of water and
kept in rapid motion uiiiil all ebullition has ceased, and are left in
their bath until quite cool. If there be any “piping” or “singing” it
indicates a crack or other imperfection. Taken from the water the-
dies are polished, by action of a running iron disc coated with emery
flour and oil, and tempered b}^ being put in water which is gradually
raised to the boiling point,'or by placing them on a heated iron bar
until they glow.with a rich straw-color, then to increase the strength
there maybe shrunk upon each an iron ring, or metallic jackeL
When all the operations described have been successfully performed,. -
then these dies become “matrices” or “maternal dies” and, as a gene¬
ral thing, they are never employed in striking coin but are used in
producing duplicates of themselves in the following manner a steel
die, softened by annealing, flat at its base and obtusely conical at toj),.
is put in the bed of a die stamping press and the matrice forced
down upon it by screw power until a copy is made, in relief upon
the soft steel: if one operation does not produce the desired effect,
it is repeated until by a few touches from the engraver.a perfectly
satisfactory “punch” is obtained, and this being tempered and hard¬
ened serves to imjDress the design upon any desired number of dies,
for use in the coining presses.
We will next explore the mysteries of
The Assay Dooms
in the S. W. corner of the second floor.
Here the nicest skill and learning of the scientist is necessary, and
here is the starting point of all the Mint Avork, for every deposit,
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO U. S. MINT.
27
dust or bar, of gold or silver that comes into the institution must
have its value determined, from a sample, by the Assayer, before any
further action is taken towards converting it into coin or jDaying its
value to the owner. The necromantic jDaraphernalia of these apart¬
ments are bewildering to the unsophisticated, the calculations here
made go far into the infintesimal, scales are here that an infant’s eye¬
lash would turn the beam as quickly as would a pound, the smallest
weight used in the Mint is here, the thirteen one-hundredth of a
grain, very sharp eyes can see it, without ^spectacles, when displayed
on a white paper in a very strong light. The furnace of the Assayer
is a small, upright stove in which is a ^‘Muffle,” a wagon-shaped,
earthen vessel open at one end only, and having a feAV slits, or vents,
in the toj^ and sides; in this are placed “cupels,” small crucibles
made of bone-ash which material, while it is not acted upon by fused
oxides, is sufficiently porous to absorb them, the use of the “muffle”
is to protect the cupels from direct contact with the fuel and flames
of the furnace.
To Assay Gold, it must be entirely freed from any copper or silver,
or both, that may be combined with it, and a diflerent process is re-'
quired to eliminate each of these metals. To remove the copper,
cuPELLATiON is flrst employed;—in the.cupel enclosed by the muffle,
to the other metals is added lead, which under heat of the assay fur¬
nace, oxidizes, and promotes like change in the copper and other base
metals drawing with itself all these into the pores of the cupel, leav¬
ing behind only gold and silver. When the^fflutton” in the cupel
has cooled it is taken out and hammered flat, then annealed by heat,
next passed through rollers, again annealed, and screwed .up into a
roll; then it is purified by quartation, the silver is dissolved by ac¬
tion of nitric acid and nothing but gold remains, but before this can
be effected it is necessary, in order to destroy all the silver, that suf¬
ficient of that metal must be added to make its proportion three-
fourths that of the gold.
For Assaying Silver, there are two methods,—the “dry” or “fur¬
nace” assay or “cupellation,” and the “wet” or “humid” or “volumet¬
ric.”
The first process, similar to that described for gold, requires in the
case of silver, such nice regulation of temperature and so many pre¬
cautions, and is then so uncertain, that it is now only used in a sub¬
sidiary way to furnish an aproximate result, or a basis for the closer
and more delicate manipulation of the humid assay which with pro¬
per care and due attention to the condition of the liquids is regarded
as a perfect system of analysis for silver and entirely reliable. In the
“humid” the proportion of fine silver in an alloy is determined by
finding the exact amount of a known precipitant required to throw
out the fine silver contained in a solution of given weight of the alloy,
so that thc-result is obtained without a final weighing of the precipi¬
tated silver. The necessary amount of the precipitating agent being
found and the weight of the alloy being known, the number of parts
of fine silver in a thousand is deduced by calculation. Nitric acid
and a solution of common salt are the liquids employed.
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yiSITOK’S GUIDE TO THE U, S. MINT.
The Separating Room
is also on the second floor, west side; here is taken all the bullion in
which gold and silver, or both are combined with baser metals, and
by the chemical process used by all refiners each element is separated
before being sent to the Melting Room.
Official Head-Quarters.
Leaving the Cabinet and before passing down stairs we find on our
right hand, the Office of the Superintendent, where he receives visi¬
tors and transacts business, the next door opens into the Chief Clerk’s
isanctum, adjoining which is the Studio of the Chief Engraver and
at the foot of the stairs on the left is the Coiner’s private office.
Pursuing our investigation still further we descend to
The Cellar and Vaults
of the latter there are quite a number, used for various purposes, be¬
neath the building fronting the corridor on Chestnut Street. In the
Main Cellar immediately under the Yard are six large boilers in
which is generated the steam used in driving the Engines and for
heating the building: On the right are the blacksmith, carpenter and
paint shoj)s and in the rear is
The Medal Striking Department :
a screw-press being invariably used in striking medals and also the
^‘proof ” or “master” pieces of every fresh coinage, which being struck
from the “maternal” or*?ntirely new dies, iDresent the brilliant, mir¬
ror-like surface so valued by collectors. Sets of each proof strike are
added to the Cabinet, some are, by official orders given to foreign
governments or their rejDresentatives, and a few are sold, at a slight
jDremium, to numismatists and connoisseurs.
The “ Sweeps ”
on the west side of the cellar is the “Sweeps” grinding room where all
the sweepings of the institution are deposited, and where at intervals,
they are ground into fine powder from which, by scientific manip¬
ulation all the precious metal, and to a very considerable amount, is
■extracted and saved to the Government.
The Wells.
Even the water used in washing out the different rooms, the rain
that falls upon the roof, must yield all gleanings before being per¬
mitted to escape. The wells receive and filter every drop, and when
they are cleaned the deposits are treated in like manner, and with
the same results, as the sweepings.
The Working Force.
In the various departments of the U. S. Mint at Philadelphia,
there are employed, for work of every character, from superintendent
to laborer, an average of over three hundred men and women the
year round, and this force does more and better work, with less loss
and larger profit for the Government than any like number of per¬
son similarly employed in the world.
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^ VISITOE’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
29
Having now completed our tour of the Mint, and thoroughly
examined its workings, we suppose that sufficient interest has been
excited in the visitor’s mind to create a relish for
General Information
upon the subject of Mints, Coins, &c., and we proceed to furnish
material for the leisurly gratification of such desire.
U. S. Mints and Assay Offices.
Under the Coinage Acts of the United States, Mints for the pro¬
duction of coin were established in 1792, at Philadelphia, Penna.;
in 1835, at New Orleans, La.,. Charlotte, N. C., and Dahlonega, Ga.;
in 1862 the Branch Mint at San Francisco was created ; in 1863
another was erected at Carson City, Nevada, and in 1864, still one
more at Dallas City, Oregon. Of these, the Philadelphia, San Fran¬
cisco, New Orleans and Carson City establishments are now the only
ones striking coins. There is a Mint at Denver Colorado, and the
“ Branch ” at Charlotte was continued as such until 1872, but their
work has long been similar to the Assay Offices of New York City,
Helena, Montana; and Boise City, Idaho; all of which are for the
receipt of bullion direct from the miners or their agents; at all of
these the metals are assayed, melted, run into bars and stamped, the
depositors receiving money value therefor, less cost of transporta¬
tion and Mint charges. The stamped bars are forwarded to one of
the coining stations to be converted into “ hard cash.” The Official
deposit of fine gold bars exchanged for gohLcoin at the Philadelphia
Mint and the New York Assay Office alone, from July 1st, 1883 to
June 30th 1884, shows a grand total of $25,800,800.
Early History of The Philadelphia Mint.
On the 2d of April, 1792, it was enacted by Congress That a
Mint for the pur^DOse of National Coinage be, and the same is estab¬
lished ; to be situate and carried on at the seat of the Government
of the United States, for the time being.”
The seat of the government, at that date, was Philadelphia, and
here the original Mint was established. In March, 1801, “An Act
concerning the Mint,” was approved directing that it should remain
in Philadelphia until March 4th, 1803. It has remained until to¬
day, and will, very probably, never be removed.
The National Coinage was a subject in which President Washing¬
ton exhibited the greatest interest; so fully alive was he to its im¬
portance, that immediately after the i^assage of the Act of April,
1792, he caused to be purchased a piece of ground, in Seventh Street;
east side; midway between Arch and Market Streets; on which
stood an old still-house and a frame building. He appointed David
Eittenhouse as Director of the Mint, and on the 19th of July, in
that year, workmen began to clear the old buildings off the ground.
On July 31st, at 10 A. M., Director Eittenhouse laid the foundation
stone of the first United States Mint, and from that time pushed
matters so energetically that on Friday, September 7th, most of the
necessary appliances for work, bellows, furnaces, &c., <fec., were
'4
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
placed in the shops,” and on the Tuesday following the first pur¬
chase of raw material was made—six iDounds of old copper—for
coinage,” Is. 3d., per iDOund being paid for it.
Three coining presses, imported from abroad, arrived September
21st, and were put in successful operation early in October, striking
half-dimes, of which the President made mention in the Annual
niSME. HAUF-niSME.
Address, delivered the next month. These half-c7ismes, as they were
then called (now known as the “ Washington Half-dime ”) bear upon
the obverse side a female bust, facing left, supposed to be a jDortrait
of Martha Washington, who is said to have given sittings to the
artist designer ; it is also stated that General Washington gave some
of his private plate to furnish silver for the coin; a not unlikely
story as our illustrious Fater patrim evidently made the Mint a
hobby,” referring to it frequently in his official communications,
visiting it constantly, supervising its management and details and
continually urging increase and variety in its productions.
Other coins were soon struck, they are described and illustrated
on our coin pages. The Avork at the first Mint Avas done entirely by
hand or horse-power;, existing bills of the establishment shoAAung
that hay and pasture Avas provided evidently for horses, and rum
and cider also bought, certainly for men. During 1797-98 and ’99,
also in 1802-03, all operations Avere at times suspended on account
of the prevalence of yelloAV fever in the city.
The first silver bullion was Frencli coins to the amount of $80,-
715.73J, deposited by the Bank of Maryland, on July 18th, 1794, and
on February 12th, 1795 the first gold, in the form of ingots, was re¬
ceived and paid for in silver coin, from Moses BroAAUi, a merchant of
Boston. The first regular return of coins from the Chief Coiner to
the Treasurer of the Mint, AA'^as made on March 1st, 1793, and con¬
sisted of 11,178 cents ; the first return of coined silver was on Octo¬
ber 15th, 1794, and the first gold coins Averc delivered July 31st,
1795.
By the original Act the name, value, Aveight and fineness of the
Eagle, half and quarter Eagle, in gold, and the Dollar, half, quarter,
tenth and twentieth, Averc all distinctly fixed, and thus were ban-
ishad from the free Union of States the disloyally discordant pounds^
shillings^ pence and farthings of the old days of tyranny and ser¬
vitude.
For forty years the U. S. Mint on Seventh Street, Avith hand,
liorse and steam-poAver, (the latter introduced in 1816), turned out,
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. 8. MINT.
31
from 1792 to 1832, the following number of coins:—132,592Eagles,
1,925,867 Half-Eagles, 108,392 Quarter-Eagles, 1,440,517 Silver Dol¬
lars, 59,584,783 Halt-Dollars, 2,506,029 Quarter-Dollars, 8,619,600
Dimes, 4,942,647 Half-Dimes, 62,925,602 Copper Cents, and 69.-
533,312 Half-Cents; making 2,238,854 pieces in gold; 77,093,576
in silver, 132,458,914 in copper; a total of 211.791,344 coins, repre¬
senting in money the sum of $42,171,665.68.
The Mint op To-Day.
The growth* of our country, in extent, wealth and importance,
among the nations of the earth, had for many years demanded
facilities for coining money, such as could not be obtained in the
original building, and the existing beautiful structure was erected,
its corner stone being laid on July 4th, 1829, by Samuel Moore,
"then Director. Working operations were commenced in it in May,
1833, and have been continuous. Numerous alterations have, from
time to time, been made in the interior and additions built; in
1854, measures were taken to render it fire-proof throughout; the
building should be double its present size to meet the requirement
■of these busy times. We give a list of Directors and Superinten¬
dents of the Mint, from its organization, and also the chief subordi¬
nate officers now on duty :
Dieectors and Superintendents of the U. S. Mint at Phila¬
delphia.
1. DAVID RITTENHOUSE, Director, from July, 1792 to July, 1795.
Resigned.
2. HENRY AVILLIAM DESAUSSURE, Director, from July, 1795,
resigned in October of the same year.
3. ELIAS ROUDINOT, Director, from October, 1795, to July, 1805.
Resigned.
4. ROBERT PATTERSON, LL.D., Director from July, 1805, to July,
1824. Died.
5. SAMUEL MOORE, M. I)., Director from July, 1824, to July, 1835.
Resigned.
0. ROBERT JIASK^LL PATTERSON, M. D., Pirectoi- from July,
1835, to July, 1851. Resigixxl.
7. GEORGE N. ECKERT, M. I)., Director from July, 1851, to April,
1853. Resigned.
8. THOMAS M. PETTIT, Director from April, 1853, to death, Marcli,
•31st same year.
9. Hon. JAMES ROSS SNOWDEN, LL. I)., Director from June, 1853
to 18G1.
10. JAMES POLLOCK, A. M., LL. D., Director from 1831 to April,
1867.*
11. HENRY RICHARD LINDERMAN, M. D., Superintendent from
April 1867 to 1869. . Resigned.
With this change the title Director was ^?ivcn to an official stationed at Washinf’-ton,
D. C.. whose duty it is to supervise all the National Mints, the Chiefs of which have since
heen Superintendents.”
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yiSlTOR’8 GUiRE TO TilE U. 8. MINT.
12. JAMES POLLOCK, A. M., LL. L)., Superintendent from 18(39 to-
1879. Resigned.
13. GOL. A. LOUDOJST SNOWDEN, Superintendent, Appointed Murch
1, 1879. Resigned June, lh85.
14. Hon. DANIEL M. POX, Superintendent. Appointed July Ist,.
1885.
PIeads of Departments U. S. .Mint, Philadelphia.
Coiner, William S. Steel, Appointed February, 1885.
Assayer, Jacob B. Eckfeldt, Appointed December, 1881:
Assayer, Assistant, Patterson DuBois, Appointed January, 1832,
Engraver, Charles E. Barber, Appointed 1880.
Engraver, Assistant, George T. Morgan.
Melter and Refiner, James Curtis Booth, Appointed 1849.
Cashier, Mark II. Cobb, Appointed 1871.
Curator, R. A. McClure, Appointed 1868.
About Coins and Coining.
There is much that is interesting, even to one who is not numis-
matically inclined, in tracing the various stages through which
coins, and the producing machinery thereof, have passed, before
arriving at the perfection of the present day.
Coins are recognized as an absolute necessity by all human be-
ings intelligent above the brute level, and countries little advanced
in civilization, unable to mint for themselves, import the large coins-
of other nations for business transactions of moment, and as small
change make use of articles of adornment, such as shells, glass-
beads, &c., or substances suitable for food. Thousands of tons of
cowries (a small white shell used as a trinket), are sent from the East
Indies to Liverpool, and thence to the West Coast of Africa, where
they pass as current cash in the purchase of the country’s products,,
principally palm-oil. In the central part of South America, soap,
chocolate, cocoanuts and eggs answer the same purpose. In Abys¬
sinia, where the Maria Theresa Dollar, or Thaler of Austria is about
the only coin known, the circulating currency consisting of rock-
salt, in shape something like a mower’s whetstone, called a lmm}dahs^
cardamon seeds, used as a medicine and condiment, also pass as
money. But metals have always been chosen as a means of ex¬
change wherever, and whenever, procurable, and the making of
coins from metals, by marks or inscriptions upon pieces of regu¬
lated weight and size has been carried on from very early ages, the
advancement of men and nations in arts and mechanics being more
clearly indicated l)y their coinage than by any other means.
Coining, and the consequent use of coins, cannot be traced fur¬
ther back than the ninth century B. C. Money, however, as a
medium of exchange, existed much earlier, and when of metal it
2 :)assed according to Aveight, no uniformity being established for the
pieces, the scales were required as j^art of every transaction. The
first metallic money was in the form of bars, spikes and rings, the
latter could be 02 :)ened, closed and linked together in a chain for
convenienee of carriage.
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S.MmT.
33
During the dynasty of the Mermnadoe, about 700 B. C., the Ly¬
dians, in Asia Minor, to officially guarantee the weight of small
gold ingots which they circulated, placed upon them certain stamp
marks, and these were the first coins. The Greek cities on the coast
and islands near Asia Minor, quickly adopted and improved upon
the Lydian invention, their cultivated taste and skill soon producing
finely engraved symbolic dies, with figures and names indicating the
period of coinage, and to so high a degree of artistic excellence did
they attain in this art, that to-day the coins of ancient Greece rival
and often excel the best work of modern times.
Primitive minting consisted in placing a lump of metal of fixed
weight, generally globular in form, over a die, on which was en¬
graved the religious or national emblem; a wedge or punch then
put on top of the lump was held with one hand and struck with a
hamm.er in the other, until the metal was driven into the die suffi¬
ciently to secure an impression.
Many dies used by the ancient Romans are in existence, they
used and made immense quantities of them, for the hardest metal
known to that people at one time, was compounded of equal parts
copper, tin and lead, a very soft material for such purpose and soon
rendered useless. Steel dies were subsequently employed, and there
is one of these in a modern museum, which has been so hammered
that its originally conical top has become fiat.
That inventors were using their brains at that day is proven by
the coining machine of which we give a cut, with the piece it j^ro-
duced. This hinged stamp was discovered at Baumont-sur-Oise,
and presented to the French Cabinet by the Maire of that Com¬
mune. When they were invented it is impossible to say but this
one is certainly of the time of Emperor Constans, A. D. 337 to 350.
It can be easily seen, that by this instrument the planchet was en-
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YISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
closed and the blows from a hammer resulted in an impression
being made on both sides at the same time; on the picture of the
coin, “STANS,” all that remains of Constans are still visible; the
reverse side shows a Victory, with trophy and palm branch, the
remains of the legend being only the letters D. N.
We also give a cut of a stamp in use in the time of Faustina, Jr.,
KOMAN STAMP AMD DIE OF A. D. 175.
about A. D. 175. Its construction and manner of operation is so
evident from the drawing, that further explanation is unnecessary.
In the Middle Ages, the art of Ancient Greece seeme not to have
been studied, or to have produced any good results, for the coins and
methods of their manufacture were rude in the extreme. We picture
from an illustration of the time, the interior of a Mediaeval Mint in
full operation. One workman hammers the plate to proper thinness,
then with hugh shears another cuts it into something like the shape
of a coin, and these pieces are impressed, with punch-formed dies,
by blows of the mallet. All coins continued to be thus struck in
England until 1662 or 1663, when the mill process, which had been
introduced nearly a hundred years before,. and abandoned after
about ten years use, was finally and permanently adopted.
The machine called the milX and screw was invented in France in
1553, and there applied for some thirty years, then laid aside as
being too expensive ; it remained ignored until Briot, a French artist,
in 1623, took it to England, where it was at once put into operation,
but only for a short time, being discontinued for the same reason as
^before, and until the Commonwealth was established the British re¬
turned to the old hammer and punch. Under Cromwell, M. Pierre
Blondeau took charge of the English Mint, he had improved the mill
and screw to the utmost and with it ereated a revolution in the ap¬
pearance of coins as well as in the mode of production.
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FIRST STEAM-POWER PRESS.
It was by this process all money of the United States was made
until about 1836, when a sh'am coining press, invented three years
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VISITOK’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MHSTT.
before, by M. Thonnelier, a Frenchman, was introduced in our Mint
the cut here given being a true representation thereof. Some few
defects existing were quickly detected and remedied by American
inventive and mechanical skill, and greatly improved work was the
result.
The press is simple in construction, stands about five feet in height
and takes up a space of about four feet by five. After doino- o-ood
service for many years it was, in 1774, sold, though not worn out,
for at the Centennial Exposition of 1876, it was in fine running
order and busy in striking off commemorative medals. On the
inscription: “First Steam Power Press,
^ by Merrick, .Agnew & Tyler. R, M. Patterson, Director
Umted States Mint. Remodeled and rebuilt, 1858, by D. Gilbert
J. R. Snowden, Director United States Mint.”
The next grand advance was the production of
The Perfect Coining Press,
such as is now in use, illustrated and described in detail on our
pages relating to the Coining Room. Pefect in every detail, there-
suit of years of hard study, experiment and invention, this press
stands as a noble monument of American mechanical skill. Its
coinage is noted throughout the civilized world for beauty, and in
its working there is a saving of seventy-five per cent, from the loss
lormerly sustained through destruction of dies.
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BIOGRAPHICAL.
DANIEL M. FOX.
Staperimtenderat XJ. S. Mint,
To the entire population of Philadelphia City, and in many other
localities, far and near, the name of Ex-Mayor Fox is familiar as
household words, and never is it mentioned but with the respect
due a man of honor and a record of high duties well and wisely
performed.
The gentleman whose life and career' is here briefly sketched was
appointed by President Cleveland on June 9th, 1885. to the Super¬
intendency of the U. S. Mint in Philadelphia and assumed the posi¬
tion on July 1st, 1885, relieving Col. A. Loudon Snowden, resigned.
Daniel M. Fox was born in Philadelphia, and comes from true,
native American stock, his ancestors being no ignoble; timid citizens
of the new nation then forming. His mother’s father, Daniel
Miller, enjoyed the glorious privilege of being with Washington at
Germantown, Valley Forge, New Brunswick, N. J., Highlands, N. Y.,
and witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. While the
British held Philadelphia, Mr. Miller was brought a prisoner to this
city, having been captured as a spy in New Jersey; he contrived,
however, to escape and rejoined the American army. When our
Independence was won and acknowledged, this sterling patriot
made a home for his family in the old “ Northern Liberties” District
of Philadelphia, where Mr. Fox’s paternal grand-father resided,
where both his father and mother were born, and where he was
ushered into the world on June 16th, 1819.
The parents of Daniel M. Fox had nothing of worldly wealth to
bestow upon their son, but they afforded him every opportunity of
acquiring the best education attainable at the schools of his home
37
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38
DANIEL M. FOX.
district, and he had the sturdy good sense to make the most of such
advantages. For two years after leaving school he was employed in
a store, then, following his inclination, he sought and obtained a
place in the office of Jacob F. Hoeckley, at that time leading Con¬
veyancer in this city, and here Mr. Fox spent five years in perfect¬
ing himself in his profession. Fie then open an office himself and
for nearly fifty years he has been actively prosecuting the business,
even when engaged in public station; straight-forward honesty,
steady-going business principles and practices have increased his
connection from the first, until, for years he has been recognized as
as the head of the fraternity in our midst; it is said that he has
had more estates in charge, at one time, for settlement, as ad¬
ministrator, executor or trustee, than any other individual in.Phil-
adeljihia, and his whole business is of the most extensive and finan¬
cially important nature. . ..
Notwithstanding the engrossing character of his professional en¬
gagements, and the many calls upon his time for gratuitous services
in behalf of the general public, Mr. Fox applied himself to the
study of law, and in November, 1878, was called to the Bar, being
then in his 59th year, and so far as related to age, probably the oldest
young lawyer ever admitted in Philadelphia. With the vigor and
energy of youth, which a temperate and honorable life has secured'
to him; united to a matured and cultivated intellect, Mr. Fox at
once made himself felt in his added vocation, a very considerable
clientage immediately sought him and this has advanced continu¬
ously, his services being specially in demand in all prominent and
important cases involving intricate points of Railroad and Real
Estate Law.
AS A PUBLIC MAN.
A mere recapitulation of the many honorable positions held by,
and the important public interests entrusted to Mr. Fox by. his fel¬
low-citizens will exhibit far better than words of eulogy the high
esteem with which he is universally regarded. At the age of twenty-
one he was elected a member of the Board of School Directors of the
District of Northern Liberties, and for many years was president of
that body. In all appertaining to education he was ever enthusias¬
tic, and to his efforts, in a great measure, is due the establishment
of a night-school system for adults. He also represented his district,
for two consecutive terms (elected by Councils) as Director of Girard
College, and as one of the Board of Flealth, for nine years, he had
in charge sanitary measures and quarantine regulations of the city
exhibiting rare courage and efficiency during two visitations of
cholera which occurred in his time of service.
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DANIEL M. POX.
39
In Select Councils he represented his Ward for three yeais, retir¬
ing in 1861; the year following he was nominated for Mayor, but
his party being greatly in the minority, he was defeated, though
gaining many votes from the opposition; again, in 1865 the existing
powers were too strong for him, but in 1868, his personal popularity
and enviable reputation secured his election over a w^orthy and re¬
spected representative of the then dominant party.
Mr. Fox was inaugurated Mayor of Philadelphia on January 1st,
1869. His administration was marked by very many important re¬
formatory improvements, and he was called upon to meet most try¬
ing changes and questions. Pie effected the transfer of the Fire De¬
partment from the Volunteer to the Paid system with a quiet wisdom
and nice sagacity which alone saved the city from becoming one
vast theatre of arson, riot and bloodshed. The duties of his station
relating to courtesy, were always performed with manly grace,
dignity and refinement. His firmness in upholding the law, and
vigor in securing and punishing criminals was proven on all occa¬
sions demanding such exercise of authority. Under him the disci¬
pline and value of the Police force was largely improved. Personal
feeling or political preference were nothing to Mr. Fox as against the
public good. So satisfactory was his administration to the inficn-
tial and intelligent of the community, without regard to party, that
at the close of his official term a splendid banquet was given in his
honor at the Academy of Music, and from both Chambers of Coun¬
cils he received an unanimous vote of thanks for his able and ener¬
getic administration of the affairs of our city.
In the grand rejoicing of the Centennial Anniversary of our-
nation, the valuable aid of Mr. Fox was naturally and necessarily
demanded. The project of that wonderful celebration had first been
broached during his mayoralty, and to it he gave his official encour¬
agement with most patriotic zeal. As a member of the Centennial
Finance Committee his services in aid of the great Exposition weie
invaluable, his labors unceasing, and the results attained exceeded
all expectations.
A most marked recognition of the ability and integrity of Iffr..
Fox, consisted in his appointment by the Stalwart ’’ Republican.
President, U. S. Grant, as one of three commissioners to investigate-
and report upon a controversy between the Government and the
Railroad Companies in regard to carrying the mails, the U. S. au¬
thorities complaining that the service was unsatisfactory and the
Railroad officials contending that the compensation fixed by law
was inadequate. Congress order the Commission of Inquiry and
President Grant exhibited his judgment by selecting Mr. Pox as one
of its members. The investigation required a visit to nearly every
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40
DA.NIKL M. FOX.
prominent city in the Union; the holding of innumerable sessions
and taking of voluminous testimony; the distance traveled upon
this duty was over 28,000 miles. The task was most delicate, re¬
quiring experience, practical khowledge and nicest discretion, to
loyally protect the government and at the same time render full
justice the great mainsprings of commerce and distributors of
wealth. The report furnished by the commission was of the great¬
est value; solid, sound, satisfactory, and conclusive, furnishing the
basis upon which a settlement was finally arranged.
Since his retirement from the Mayor’s Chair, Mr. Fox has not
held political office, though in two successive State Conventions,
complimentary votes have been cast in his favor for the Gubernatorial
nomination. His extensive business has received his personal at¬
tention, but with all its claims he has never relaxed his active labors
in works of benevolence or matters of public benefit. No import¬
ant movement affecting the city government, has been made, for a
long time, without consulting him and weighing well his opinion
and advice. He is at present, and for years has been President of
the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and his private
charities, though known to few except the recipients, are many and
unceasing.
To the Superintendency of the United States Mint, with all its
treasure, Mr. D. M. Fox brings the same business habits; calm,
trained judgment, thorough system, cultivated executive ability and
dignified self-reliance which has rendered him so signally successful
in private life, professional associations and public station. The
wisdom of the President in selecting Mr. Fox for his present im¬
portant, responsible and honorable position, is admitted by even his
most pronounced j^olitical foes,—of personal enemies, he has not one.
i
m
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COINS OF THE UNITED STATES.
GOLD.
The Eagle of ten dollars, to weigh 270 grains, the Half-Eagle and Quar¬
ter-Eagle, these latter in proportion to the $10 piece, were the original
gold coins authorized by Act of April 2d, 1792, All three were required
to be of a standard 22 carats fine, or 917 thousandths.
The first return of Eagles from the Coiner of the Mint wa^on Septem¬
ber 22d, 1795, the Obverse bore a bust of the Goddess of Liberty, wear¬
ing the liberty-cap, from under which the hair was loosely flowing. The
bust faced to the right, above it is the legend Liberty^ with five star s on
the right and ten on the left, around the edge of the field. Exergue, 1795.
The Eeverse shows an eagle with wide spread wings, a laurel wreath in
the beak and both talons grasping a palm branch. Legend —United States
of America.
The Half-Eagle was the first gold coin actually struck for the United
States, 774 of these were delivered by the Chief Coiner on July 31st, 1795,
the design being similar to that on the Eagle. There was a second coin¬
age of these pieces this year no alteration being made in the Obverse, but
the Reverse is changed, the eagle being portrayed with upraised wings;
upon its breast is the XJ. S. shield, a bundle of arrows in its left talon,
an olive branch in the right, from the beak floats a scroll inscribed
E Pluribus Unum, a bow of clouds extends from .wing to wing encircling
a cluster of stars around the head of the bird. Legend —United States of
America.
In 1796 the only change made in these two pieces was the addition of
another star, marking the entrance of a new State (Tennesse), into the
Union. It was intended to thus commemorate on our coinage each accession
to the number of States, but the idea was abandoned.
The Quarter-Eagle was coined tliis year, those first struck, to the num¬
ber of sixty-six, were copies of the Eagle, a change was made in Novem¬
ber and with the exception of a few, on which the stars w^ere omitted
from the Obverse, the new Quarter-Eagle resembled the second coinage of
the Half-Eagle of 1795 in every particular other than size and date.
On the Eagle of 1797, first coinage, the Obverse remains as before with
sixteen stars, ten on the left and six on the right of the effigy. The
second issue has but thirteen stars around the eagle’s head, on the Reverse,
which in other respects is identical with that of the Half-Eagle of 1795,
second coinage.
Three distinct types of the Half-Eagle bear date of 1797. The first is
exactly similar to that of 1796, in the second the only alteration is the
addition of one more star on the Obverse, the third is a repetition (with
changed date), of the second coinage of 1795, the pieces being struck from
an altered die of that year.
In 1797 and 1798 some slight changes were made in the Quarter-Eagle,
there being but thirteen stars on the Obverse, the Reverse continued as
before.
During the years 1798, 1799, 1800 and 1801, the Eagle presented the
same devices as the second coinage of 1797.
There are two types of the Half-Eagle of 1798. The first with the lib¬
erty-head, wearing a cap, facing to the right; and above it Liberty on the
41
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TISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
YISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
4a
Obverse, The Reverse has an eagle with extended wings, grasping in botli
talons an olive branch, and in the beak a laurel wreath. Legend— United
States of America. In the later coinage of this year there is no change
on the Obverse, but the Reverse is similar to that of the second issue of
1795, and this style was continued through the years 1799 and 1800, with
change of date only. No Half-Eagles were issued in 1801.
During 1799, 1800 and 1801 no Quarter-Eagles were issued.
There was no issue of Eagles during 1802, and those coined in the years
1803 and 1804 were of the pattern of 1801.
The Half-Eagle of 1802,1803,1804, 1805 and 1806, bears on its Obverse
the Liberty-head with Cap, facing to the right, above it Liberty ; the Reverse
is the same as the second coinage of 1795.
There was an issue of the Quarter-Eagle in 1802, in style similar to
those of 1798, but none were coined in 1803. From 1804 to 1807, both
years inclusive, the piece was made in every particular, except date, exactly
like those of 1802.
From 1805 to 1837, inclusive, the Eagle was not issued.
Two coinages of the Half-Eagle appear in 1807. The first is a repeti¬
tion of the last issues; the second type exhibits some marked changes, the
Liberty-head on the Obverse wears a turban, on the band of which is in¬
scribed Liberty, the face is turned to the left, along the edge of which
side are seven stars, and six more are on the right, Exergue 1807. Reverse
a spread-eagle with U. S. shield on the breast, three arrows and an olive
branch in the talons, above, in the field, is a scroll inscribed E. Pluribus
Unum ; Legend— United States of America, Exergue, “5 D.”
The Quarter-Eagle of 1808 shows some change ; on the Obverse is the
Liberty-head, above is the v/ord Liberty in a curved line and below the
date. The Reverse continues as before. After this year (1808), the coin¬
age of Quarter-Eagle was discontinued to and through 1820.
There was but one coinage of Half-Eagles for each of the years 1808,
1809, 1810, 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814 and 1815, the design being the same as
that of the second issue of 1807, no change appearing except in the date.
No gold pieces of this denomination were issued in 1816 or 1817.
In 1818 and to 1828, inclusive, the Half-Eagle has the same Obverse,
with change of date, and the general device of the Reverse is as before
except it has as Exergue ‘‘Five D.”
The Quarter-Eagle coinage was resumed in 1821, the piece being pattern¬
ed after the Half-Eagle, namely; Obverse, Liberty-head with turban and
band bearing the word Liberty ; thirteen stars around the edge. Reverse,
Eagle with U. S. Shield on the breast, three arrows and an olive branch
in the talons, a scroll above, inscribed E Pluribus Unum; Legend—
United States of America. Exergue “2^ D.” These same devices were
continued, the date alone being changed for each year’s coinage, on the
Quarter-Eagle up to the year 1834; though in 1822, 1823 and 1828, none
were issued.
In 1829 there were two distinct coinages of Half-Eagles, both similar to
the issue of 1818-28 but the size of the coin was reduced one-sixteenth
of an inch in diameter and no changes were made until 1834.
By Act of June 28th, 1834 the weight of the Eagle was reduced to 258
grains and the fineness to 899.225. Again, by Act of January 18th, 1837,
the fineness was advanced to 900, and at this standard it has since remain¬
ed; of course the “Half” and “Quarter” were reduced in proportion.
The year 1834 gave two coinages of Half-Eagles, the first being a re¬
production of the years immediately preceding, the second has on its Ob¬
verse, the Liberty-head facing left, a fillet, bearing the word Liberty bind¬
ing the head, curls falling down and around the neck, thirteen stars sur¬
rounding the effigy. Reverse same as former. The piece was again, be-
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT. 45
ginning with this second issue reduced by one-sixteenth of an inch ; there
was no further change until 1839.
In this year (1834) there were also two distinct comages of the Quarter-
Eagle, the first was identical in every detail, except date, with those of
1821. The second is a reduced fac-simile of the last described Half-Eagle
the only difference being the exergue: D,” and these designs were
continued until 1840.
The coinage of Eagles was resumed m 1838, the Obverse of the new
piece presented: a Liberty-head, facing to the left, hair done up in knot
and curls falling over the neck, a coronet upon the forehead bearing the
word Liberty^ around the edge of the field, thirteen stars; Exergue 1838 ;
Reverse: an eagle with U. S. Shield upon its breast, an olive branch and
three arrows in the talons; Legend— States of America', Exergue,
“Ten D.” In 1866 a change was made by the introduction, on the field
of the Reverse, above the head and between the wings of'the Eagle, of a
scroll inscribed In God we Trust, and this constitutes the only alteration
that has been made in the Eagle since 1838.
Half-Eagles in 1839 were struck from an entirely new die, the devices be¬
ing similar to the change made in the Eagle except the Exergue on the
Reverse : “Five D.” The next change was made in 1866, when the scroll
with “In God we Trust” upon it, was added to the Reverse. Since that
time the only variation has been in the date of issue.
The Quarl^r-Eagles of 1840 were made to conform in appearance with
the larger coins, having the coroneted Liberty, &c., as described, with.
Exergue “24 D” upon the Reverse; and there has been no further change
to the present time.
The Double-Eagle was first coined in 1849, being authorized by Act of
March 3d in that year; its weight ordered to be 516 grains and 900 in
fineness. Obverse, the Liberty-head, facing to the left, hair in a knot, curls
falling over the neck, a coronet on which is inscribed Liberty ; thirteen
stars around the edge of the field and Exergue, 1849. Reverse : an Eagle
with wings expanded and elevated, on its breast the U. S. Shield, a divided
scroll, passing downward on each side, bears the words E Plitribus TJnum,
a halo, or blaze, extends in a half-circle from wing to wing enclosing thir¬
teen stars; in the talons are barbed arrows and the olive branch; Legend
— United States of America; Exergue, “Twenty D.” The same devices
were continued upon coins of this denomination until 1866, when the motto
In God we Trust was inserted among the stars, inside of the halo circle ;
no further changes were made until 1877, when the Exergue on the Reverse
was altered to “Twenty Dollars,” and the style then adopted is still con¬
tinued.
In 1849 appeared also the Gold Dollar, authorized by Act of March 3d,
same year, its weight being fixed at 25,8 grains, 900 fine. This little coin
had on its^ Obverse the liberty-head, facing left, a band about the forehead
on which is the word Liberty, and thirteen six-pointed stars around the
edge of the field. Reverse : A laurel wreath enclosing, in three lines,
the inscription, 1 Dollar 1849, and this is surrounded by the Legend—
United States of America,
A Fifty-Dollar Gold Piece, in 1851, came from the United States Assay
Office in San Francisco, Cal., which was established by Act of Congress
the year previous. There are two varieties of this coin, then popu¬
larly known as the “California Slug.” Though these pieces were never
authorized by Act of Congress, yet they circulated and received acknowledg¬
ment as United State Coin, and as such may properly be here classified.
# An octagon shape characterizes both types; the first has on the Obverse
an eagle, with upward spread wings, supporting a reclining U. S. shield,
its talons grasping three arrows and an olive branch, from its beak, to the
left, flies a scroll inscribed Liberty, over the head of the bird is another
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT. 47
inset bearing 880 beneath is 50 D. C, LageiiOL—Lnitcd States of
Anienca. All the above is enclosed in a beaded circle, outside of which
around the octagon edge, is Augustus Humbert United States Assayer
UaUjornia of Gold^ 1851. The second variety, which is here illustrated
IS generally similar to the first, but much more finished and the error of
irausporsition is corrected to read, Augustus Humb(rL United States
Assayer of Gold California, The 50 H. is also changed to Fifty Dolls,
Ill both pieces the edge is grained and the Reverse, in each variety
shows a peculiar and intricate lining, but no inscription. These coins were
lirepared and issued by Messrs Moffatt & Co., as contractors, and have
always been found fully up to their professed standard.
Ill 1853, from the same source, came a Twenty-Dollar piece, circular in
form, with Obverse similar to that' within the circle of the fifty dollar
com, except that the scroll is inscribed 800 Thous,, and the Exergue reads
Txenty D. Reverse bears the same web-work of lines as the larger piece,
but across the centre is an open space on which is lettered in three lines,
United States Assay Office of Gold San Francisco California 1853.
A Ten-Dollar Gold Piece, identical with the last described, but having
the exergue Ten Dots, and 884 Tfious. in scroll on the Obverse, and the
date 1852 in the lettering of the Reverse is also one of this particular
coinage, all of which liave the gymned edge and are invariably found equal
to the weiglit and fineness claimed.
The Three-Dollar Gold Piece was authorized by Act of February 21,
1853, the w(?ight to be 77.4 grains, fineness 900. The first coins of this
denomination were struck in 1854; on the Obverse is a head, representing
an Indian princess with hair lightly curling over the neck, head crowned
with a circle of feathers the band of which is inscribed Liberty,, and
around the edge United States of America. Reverse: A wreath of tobacco,
corn, wheat and cotton occupies the field, in it, in three Ihies, 3 Dollars
1854. No change has been made in these dies except date of the year.
SILVER.
In 1794 the first Silver Dollar was issued from the U. S. Mint, few were
coined and the pieces, when in good condition, command a very high pre¬
mium. On the Obverse is an undraped bust, bare-headed, with hair flow¬
ing down the neck, over the head is Liberty, beneath, ‘T794”; seven stars
around the edge fronting the face and eight behind it. Reverse : an Eagle
with uplifted wings, standing upon a support, a wreath surrounding the
bird is joined beneath with a ribbon, the Legend —United States of America
is around the field, and on the edge of the coin is lettered Hundred Cents
One Dollar or Unit, the words being divided by stars and sunken oblong
marks.
The first ‘'Silver Half-Dollar was also coined in 1794 ; it is an exact
counterpart of the Dollar, except in size and .the edge lettering, which
reads : Fifty Cents or Half Dollar.
There are two types of the Dollar dated 1795, one of these is identical
wdth the original coin, the other, made near the end of the year, shows
the buvst on the Obverse partially draped, with hair in loose curls, the ends
of a ribbon appearing behind, there are only six stars facing the effigy and
seven behind; the Eagle of the Reverse rests upon a mass of clouds.
Until 1798 there was no change worthy of mention in the Dollar, in
this year there are two issues bearing respectively fifteen and thirteen stars
and on the Reverse of one type is the Eagle displayed, on its breast a
large XT. S. Shield, in the right talon an olive branch and in the left a
bundle of arrows, an arch of clouds extendes from wing to wing enclosing
thirteen stars, and from the beak floats a streamer inscribed E Pluribus
Unum, Legend —United Slates of America.
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
49
The Half-Dollar of 1795 was the same as the original, but in 1796, on
the Obverse of the coin was placed the draped bust with ribbon on hair
as described in the second coinage of the 1795 DoUar, and the Reverse
shows the Eagle supported upon clouds, the fraction ^ beneath.
Quarter-Dollars were first coined in 1796, in device they resemble exactly
the Dollar and Half-Dollar of the same year, except that the edge is reeded,
not lettered. No more ‘‘Quarters” were issued until 1804. •
In 1796 Avas first issued the Dime, with the exception that they are so
proportioned in size and weight as to be the tenth part of a dollar; the original
Dime is a fac-simile of the Quarter Dollar of the same year, the reverse
bearing the “small eagle” resting upon clouds.
The Half-Dime was the first silver coin made in the United States Mint.
Half-JDismes they were originaly called when struck in 1792. In 1794 they
were put in circulation and in that year and the next followed exactly the
pattern of the Half-Dollars of the same date, with fourteen instead of
thirteen stars. In 1796 this coin was a copy of the Dime of that year,
with fifteen stars, and in 1797 there Avero three varieties all bearing the
same general designs but Avith thirteen, fifteen and sixteen stars. .
The Dollar of 1799, in one type, has five instead of six stars facing the
effigy, all others of that and each siibsequent year, up to 1804, are like
the larger issue of 1798.
The Half-Dollar of 1797 Avas the same pattern as that of the year be¬
fore ; during 1798 and 1799 no coins of this denomination Avere issued.
In the Dime of 1797 there Avas no change from the first devices except
the date and in one variety,'which has sixteen stars. In 1798 the Reverse
is changed to the eagle under the bow of clouds, like the quarter of 1804.
From 1800 to 1805, inclusive, the Half-Dime shows thirteen stars on the
Obverse ; the large eagle being adopted on the Reverse.
The Silver Dollar of 1804 is very rare, not more than ten are knoAvn to
be in existence, and it is alleged that the dies Avere not made in tlie year
for which they are dated, but long after that time, and for the purpose
of striking coins for presentation. Dollars bearing this date (1804) have
been sold for $350 and $750. From this year to 1835 inclusive no Silver
Dollars Avere issued.
In 1800 no Half-Dollars were coined, and in 1801 the pattern Avas
changed, making the Reverse similar to the dollar of same year and omit¬
ting the fraction which has never again been put upon the coin.
The Dime from 1800 to 1807, both years inclusiA^e, are identical with
those of 1798,
Half-Dimes from 1800 to 1805 inclusive, have tliirteen stars on the Ob¬
verse, with the “large eagle” Reverse, after 1805 the issue of coin was
suspended until 1829.
There were no Half-Dollars coined in 1804, but this year, the issue of
Quarter-Dollars Avas renewed, though only a few Avere struck, and this
coin bearing such date commands a high premium. The Reverse of- this
and also 1805-6 and 7, sIioavs the displayed eagle Avitli the stars and clouds
above its head. From 1807 to 1815 no “quarters” were coined.
On the Half-Dollar of 1807, the Liberty-head, facing to the left is adopted
for the Obverse, the bust is draped with a Roman mantle, the hair falls
gracefully over the shoulders, and on the head is a liberty-cap the band
inscribed Liberty ; seven stars are on the left of the effigy and six on the
right; beneath is the date “1807.” Reverse: an Eagle, Avith Avings ex-
pa,nded, the U. S. Shield upon its breast, three arrows in the left and au
olive branch in the right talon ; E Phiribus Vinim, upon a scroll above.
Legend —United States of America. Exergue “50c.” The punctuation marks
were also left off the edges leaving thereon plain Fifty Cents or Half-a-Bol-
lar. Both this and the old style are found in circulation.
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YISITOK’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
51
In 1809 the Dimes were changed to correspond with the Half-DoUar of
- 1807, the Exerque being 'TOc.,’’ and this style was continued until 1837,
except in 1828 when there were large and small dates. In 1810, 1812,
1813, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, 1819, and 1826 the Dime was not issued. There
were overstrikes in 1798, 1811, 1814, and 1824.
Coinage of Quarter-Dollars was resumed in 1815, the design being simi¬
lar to that of the new Half-Dollar of 1807. None were issued the two
years following, in 1818 the same style were struck, nor was there any
change in the pattern to the end of 1828 when there was again a suspen¬
sion of coinage of this piece. The 1823 “Quarter” is very rare and a
specimen has brought one hundred dollars. In 1827 it is alleged that only
four “Quarters” were coined but a number of pieces have been struck
from the old dies since that time.
There are overstrikes of Quarter-Dollar, 1806 over ’05, 1823 over ’22,
1824 over ’23 and 1825 over ’24. In Half-Dollars, with the exception of
1816 when there was no silver coinage, there is no change worthy of note
until 1836, in the latter part of which year a smaller head was placed on
the Obverse, what is known as the Gohrecht head, named for the artist
who designed it; on the Reverse 50 cents replaces the “50 c.,” the letters
of the legend are smaller, and the edge is reeded instead of lettered.
There are pieces of the old style also baring this date. The Half-Dollars
of interest to collectors, as overstrikes of previous years are, 1808 over ’07,
1817 over ’13, 1818 over ’17, etc.
A marked change in the Quarter-Dollar was made in 1831, the diameter
was considerably reduced and to retain the legal weight there was a cor¬
responding increase in thickness. The devices were the same but the scroll
with motto E Flurihus TJnum was omitted from the Reverse.
For five years there was no change made in our silver coins.
In 1836 a Dollar of entir^y new design was issued. On the Obverse is
the full figure of the Goddess of Liberty seated upon a rock, the face is
turned sideways and looking to the left, at her side is a U. S, shield
across which floats a scroll inscribed Liberty^ the left hand supports a staff
on which is a liberty-cap, on the base, on which rests the figure, is C. Go-
hrecty F,” the name of the designer and engraver. Exergue, “1836.”
Reverse: An eagle in flight surrounded by twenty-six stars cf different
sizes, typical of the States of tlie Union. Legend —United States of America.
One thousand dollars of this pattern were struck and eighteen pieces with
the name of Gobrecht in the field above the date instead of upon the base
of the support; this last variety brings a high premium. ,
In 1837 no Dollars were issued and there was a limited coinage of this
denomination in 1838, the changes from 1836 being, on the Obverse, thir¬
teen stars were placed around the edge, seven being toward the right
hand of the Liberty, five towards the left and one between the head of
the figure and cap on the head of the staff; on the Reverse is the flying
eagle, but all the stars are taken off the field. A fine proof dollar of 1838
is worth forty times its face value.
The Dime was changed in 1837, the seated Liberty appears on the Ob¬
verse, no stars in the field, and the date under the figure. Reverse: The
Legend —United States of America around the edge, inside of which are
two half wreaths united below by a ribbon, and these encircle the words
“One Dime” in t^vo lines.
In 1829 coinage of the Half-Dime was resumed, and from that year to
1837 inclusive, the pattern on this coin ’was a copy of the Half-Dollar of
corresponding date.
The Dollar of 1839 is similar to that of the year preceding; only a fe^v
hundred were coined and the pieces are so rare that they command a high
premium.
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THE U.
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53
YISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MIKT.
Oil tile Half-Dollar of 1838 the only change is made in the Reverse,
^‘Half-Dol.” being snbstitnted for ‘‘50 Cents.” In 1839 the seated Lib¬
erty is placed on the Obverse; both styles were, however, issued that
year the small letters of the Reverse being retained.
Eor the year 1858 there are two types of Qnarter-Dollar, the Liberty-
head and the seated Liberty, “Qtiar. Dol.” on the Reverse. On the
Dimes of this date the. stars are added on the Obverse. In 1837 the
Half-Dimes were made with the seated Liberty, without stars, but in ’38
the stars were inserted.
In 1840 the Reverse on the Dollar was changed, the eagle With out¬
spread wings is restored, with the U. S. shield on his breast,/hn olive
branch and three arrows in the talons. ljbgQii(\.~United States of America^
“One Dpi.” The edge is grained; this was the first authorized dollar
having this feature. The Obverse device of 1888 was continued on the
Dollar until 1873. The Reverse just described was unchanged until 1866
when a scroll was introduced, over the eagle, in which is the words,
I)% Qod we Trust,
The Three Cent Piece was first issued in 1851. On the Obverse is a
“C” enclosing “III,” a^id thirteen stars around the edge; the Obverse
has a shield set in a star. Legend —United States of America^ and the date.
These coins were made with 25 per cent, of copper until 1854 in which
year their firxeness was raised to the regular standard for silver coinage,
the star was given sharper points and an olive branch and bunch of
arrows is introduced above and below the numerals enclosed by the “C.”
ilo further changes were made in , this coin up to discontinuance of its
issue in 1873.
In 1853 the Half-Dollar' and all lesser silver were reduced in weight,
the Half being made to scale 192 grains and the others in proportion.
In order to distinguish coins of the new standard from the old ones bear¬
ing the same date there was an arrow head placed on each side of the
date, and on the Reverse of the Half and Quarter-Dollar the eagle was
encircled by diverging rays. In 1854 the rays are omitted and in 1856 the
arrow heads were removed.
The Dimes; from. 1839 to 1859 inclusive, exactly resemble those of 1838,
except in one type of 1853, and all coined in 1854, 1855, oh which the
arrows, indicating a reduced standard, are seen on each side of the date.
On the Half-Dimes, from 1838 to 1830, the type of 1838, Liberty seated
and stars, was continued.
In 1860 another change was made in the Obverse of the Dime, consist¬
ing in removal of the stars and substitution therefor of “ United States of
America,” the alterations of the Reverse were; taking off the Legend and
filling the field with a wreath of cerals v^iich encloses the words “One
Dime” in two lines. A corresponding re-arrangement on the Half-Dime
took place at tlie same time.
The Dollar remained without alteration until 1873, when the coin of
the country and National credit was disgraced by what is, or was known
as the “Trade Dollar,” a coinage authorized and coined in order to work
up the surplus accumulation of silver from Nevada. By act of February
28th, 1873, the weight was ordered to be 420 grains, fineness 900, value
$1.00, and they were legal tendef to the amount of five dollars in one
payment. It was understood that this coin was made and intended for
the Chiba trade, but they were soon extensively circulated throughout
the Union, received at their face value by all classes. By Act of Con¬
gress, July 22d, 1876, the Trade Dollar was deprived of its legal tender
value and became in a few years a Dollar which was no dollar, but a
piece refused on every hand, and only purchased by dealers at 85 cents;
its coinage was discontinued by law in 1878, but “proofs” were struck at
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT. 55
tlae Philadelpliia U. S. Mint in 187'9-80-81-82-83, and. these being valuable
to collectors, command a premium.
In selecting a design for the Trade Dollar, the U. S. Congress had
seven_ patterns to choose from ; they adopted the most unmeaning and in¬
artistic. On the Obverse is an illy proportioned, gigantic Goddess of Lib¬
erty, seated upon a cotton bale, against the rear of which rests a sheaf
of v/heat, from the left hand trails a ribbon inscribed Liherty^ the
right hand is extended and holds an olive branch, seven stars are behind
the figure, two behind its head and the branch and four directly in front;
in a label at the effigy’s base In God We Trusty and beneath all the date.
Reverse: Eagle with wings uplifted and head turned to the right, three
arrows and an olive branch in the talons, Legend UniUd States (I America
encircling upper half of the border, a scroll bearing IJnmi
above the head of the Eagle; beneath the bird Jf20 Grams, 900 Fme, and
the Exergue : Trade Dollar. We give this full description as the ‘^Trade”
is a dollar of the p 8 .«st and a piece which will remain discreditably his¬
torical.
By Act of Eebruary 12th, 1873, the weight of the Half-Dollar was re¬
duced, to conform with the metric system, to 12.5 grams or 192.9 grains
Troy; the Quarter-Dollar to 6.25 grams or 96.45 grains Troy; the
Dime to 2.5 grams or 38.58 grains and the Half-Dime was discontinued.
With the exception that a portion of each denomination above issued after
after the change of standard, have the arrow beads on both sides of the
date (1873), which distinguishing m.ark is continued through 1874; there
has been no alteration in the devices of any of them or of the fineness,
which has remained at 900 parts in 1000 fine. Dimes most valuable to
collectors are those of 1796-7-8, 1800-1-2-3-4-5-7-9-11-22-46.
The Twenty Cent Silver piece w^as authorized by Act of April 2 d, 1875,
to be 900 fine and w'eigh 77.16 grains. Legal tender at 20 cents for five
dollars in one payment. The Obverse is a reduced facsimile of the
“Quarter” of same date. Reverse : Eagle wdth uplifted wings, no motto
or scroll; a star on each side in line with the ends of the wings, in talons
of the bird three arrow's and an olive branch, the head looks to the right,
Legend —United Slates of America. Exergue, Tirenty Cents: The edge
is plain. This coin was coined for circulation up to and through 1876.
In 1877 and 1878 only “proofs” were struck and these are very rare,
bringing a considerable advance on their face value. By Act of May 2d,
1878, the coinage of the Tw'enty Cent piece wns discontinued.
The Dollar , of 1878 is knowm as the “Bland” and the “Standard”
Dollar and it presents entirely new features. Obverse : a new and beau-'
tiful type of the Liberty head, with small cap at back, the hair falls in¬
graceful curls over the neck, is rolled back from the brow and crowned
wnth a band inscribed Lihcrty, betW'een which and the cap front appear
wdieat-spears and other cereals; the Legend E Fluribus Unnm forms a-
half circle above the effigy, seven stars front the lownr half of the face
and six are behind. Exergue, 1878. Reverse: An Eagle wdth wongs high,
uplifted, as though poised for flight, the branch and three arrow's grasped
in its talons, head looking to the left, two half wreaths encircle the sides
of the birch and are joined by a ribbon knot below it, above its head be¬
tween the wings, in “Text” is In God We Trust, at the commencement
and end of the Legend —United States of America is a six-pointed star.
Exergue, One Dollar .The original piece showed eight feathers in llu*
tail of the bird, on a new die made in 1878, by a mistake of the engrave r.
only seven feathers appeared in that appendage. Collectors generally ii:-
sist upon having both varieties though the first mentioned is by no means
rare.
Nickel Three Cent'Piece, authorized by Act of May 3d, 1865, coined
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tlie same year. Legal tender to amount of 25 cents; weight, 30 grains.
Copper, 75 per eent. ; nickel, 25 per cent. Obverse: Liberty-head, facing
left, hair bound and crossed by band, coronet on forehead, inscribed lAherty^
and date below. Reverse : A laurel wreath joined below by ribbon bow
enclosing “ III. ’’ ISfo change has ever been made in the design of this
piece ; of late only a few have been coined each year, as the demand for
them is very slight.
ISFiekel Five Cent, Piece, autliorized by Act of May 16 th, 1836, coined
same year; 26 per cent, nickel, 75 per cent, copper, weight, 77.16 grains,
legal'’tender to amount of 25- cents. Obverse: U. S, Shield, surmounted by
cross, with sections, of an olive wreath pendent at each side, the feathered
end and barb of an arrow appears on both sides of the shield’s base,
below all the date, and “above the shield In God We Trust. Reverse:
A circle of thirteen s ars and.rays enclosing a large ^‘5.” Legend— Urnkcl
States of AmeriGci; JEjcergue^ ‘‘Cents.” There are two types of “Kickd
fives ” in 1837, one in the original style and another with the “rays”
omitted frbin the Reverse, and they, were never restored. In 1883 there
was an entire change in the device of this coin and two varieties were
issued. On the Obverse of both : A Liberty-head, facing left, coronet on
forehead, inscribed Liberty, hair knotted, with single curl escaping down
the neck, six stars fronting the face and seven above and behind the head,
date below. Reverse: (ISTo. 1) A Roman encircled by two half
wreaths of corn, cotten, wheat and tobacco, the ends joined beneath by a rib¬
bon bow, around the border, as Legend— United States of Amcnca.”
JExergue^ (in smaller “caps,”) E Pluribus Ummi. Reverse,. (No. 2) has the
same “Y” and wreath,,the Exergue is changed to read “Cents,” the
Legend is as before with a “o” at each end, and E Fluribus Unum is
transferred to the field above the wreath and between it and the legend.
UNAUTHORIZED, OR PRIYATE COINS.
A considerable number of coins have been issued, generally by companies
■or individuals connected with the gold mining interests, and though un-
autliorized by Congress all attained consideriible local circulation, and in
nearly every case fully reached the standard of weight and fineness claimed
for them. The plentiful supply of legal money gradually drove these pri¬
vate pieces out of service ; they now exist only as curiosities and as such
we present facsimiles of some few.
The California Ten-Dollar Piece was a bright, clear coin, issued by
Moffat & Co. for several years, our cut shows one of the first, 1849. Tho
weight, fineness and value was identical with the United States Coinage.
Ten-Dollars of the Miner’s Bank of San Erancisgo. Weight, 2634
grains; fineness, 865 ; value, 19.87. No date.
Half-Eagle, 3sr. a. & asr,, 1849, was fully up to its weight and contained '
no alloy other than that introduced by nature, the fineness therefor varied
according to the virgin gold from wdiich the pieces, “was struck, ranging
from 870 to 892 thousandths, with consequent value of from §4.83 to 14.98.
Mr. C. Beclitler at one time had his private mint at Rutherfordton, N. C.,
coining Half and Quarter-Eagles and One Dollar pieces, from gold mined
in Norj^ Carolina and Georgia, “which circulated extensively in the South
and West. There are two series, of 5. 2^, and one dollar, professedly 20
carats fine and 150 grains to five dollars. These- bear no date and w“ere
issued prior to 1834. To the reduction in National Coin, wdiich took place
tliat year, Mr. Bechter conformed and added the date to liis devices.
The pieces are stamped “C,, (Carolina Gold) and the “G” (Georgia
Gold). The establishment w^as. abandoned in 1849.
California Half-Dollars of Gold, w’ere issued in 1852 and 1853. The
first variety of the “ Half ” w^as round, as here showm, another type Avas
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Nickel Five Cent Pieces.
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oetagon in sliape ; a Quarter-Dollar in gold was also cirenlated which was
a reduced copy of the second “Half.”
Mormon Twenty-Pollars, Gold. Issued hy “ President ” Brigham Young,
of Utah. There was a series of these coins; 20, 10, 5, and 2^ dollar
pieces. The obverse shows a Mormon Mitre, an eye, and the Legend.—
Holiness to the Lord. Eeverse, two clasped hands, date in the field be¬
neath and around the border “G. s. l. c. p. g.” {Great Salt Lake City
Lure Gold). “Twenty-Pollars.” They passed for full face worth in
Utah, but the intrinsic value varied from sixteen to eighteen dollars; the
small^' denominations bearing relative proportions.
In 1858, “President” Young had a new die made for the Eive-
Pbllar piece, and the coin was soon in circulation, on the obverse is the
eagle behind a bee-hive, around it Assay Office^ Pure Gold. Exergue
“ 5. P.’* Beverse, a Lion, couckant^ the date beneath, and the same legend
as on the Obverse, in “Mormon” characters.
PATTEEN PIECES.
Since the establishment of the U. S. Mints, there have been innumer¬
able varieties of “pattern pieces” prepared, suggesting endless variations
of almost every coin. Generally, there are a very few struck, rnostly in
copper, and then the dies are stored away with the other “experiments.”
Many of the patterns are very beautiful in design, such as these we illus¬
trate, but change in National Coinage is not advisable even to gain
elegance, on account of consequent confusion.
COPPEE. .
Two Cents. This coin first appeared in 1864, and was discontinued in
1873. The alloy was the same as the cent of the same period, and its-
weight 96 grains, “2 Cents,” in two lines, is enclosed by two half
wreaths of wheat, tied at the lower ends. Legend—“ United States of
America;"'’ reverse similar in design to the nickel Eive Cent pieces, only
the legend is in a scroll, and the crossed arrows, upon which the shield
shield rests, seems to support its centre instead of its base. The Two
Cent piece of 1872 is scarce; that of 1873, being only in proof sets, is-
very scarce.
One Cent. There are four pattern cents bearing the date 1792, whether
made in or designed to be used by tl>e U. S. Mint is uncertain. They are
all extremely rare. The largest, which exceeds the Half-Pollar in size,
lias on the Obverse a head of Liberty with flowing hair, wliich partly
covers the bust on both sides, and faces tow^ard the observer’s right; the
date in large figures, is immediately beneath the bust, and the Legend is
Liberty Parent of Science and Industry. On the shoulder of the bust is
the name of Birch; on the Eeverse, in the centre, are the w'^ords “One
Cent,” surrounded by a cii’cle ; this is surrounded by a wreath, and it
again by the Legend United States of America. . -rx .
"The second in size is a trifle less in diameter than the Half-PoUar.
Obverse: A naked bust of Liberty, facing right, with the hair confined
by a band and knot, beneath it “1792,” above it “Liberty.” Eeverse:
An eagle, his wings raised, standing on a section of a globe, facing right;
Legend— United States of America. Only tw^o of these are now
known, one of them being in the Mint Cabinet.
The small pattern cents are about the diameter of the present Quarter-
Poll ar, the only difference between them is that one of them has a plug
of silver in the centre. They are both from the same dies. Obverse :
Head of Liberty with flowing hair, looking toward the right; date, 1792
under the bust. Legend— Liberty Parent of Science and Industry \ Ee-
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YISITOK’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MmT.
verse, “One Cent” in a wreath, and Legend United States of America)
at tlie hase,
But it was not until the succeeding year, 1793, that the operations of
the Mint were productive of much relief to the community in the matter
of a circulating medium. Only the copper pieces were made this year. Of
the cent there were three distinct styles and several varieties of dies of
both Obverse and Eeverse.
1. Chain Cents. These have a bust with flowing hair, looking right,
with the date below and word “ Liberty ” above it; on the Reverse side,
in the centre, is “One Cent,” with below it enclosed in an» end¬
less chain of fifteen links, typifying the number of States then in the'
Union. The Legend is United States of America in all excepting one die,
which reads United States of Ameri, the engraver evidently not having
room to complete the word. This being quite scarce is highly prized by
some collectors of cents. The edges have in four sections alternately a
vine and several bars.
2. Wreath Cents. Obverse, a bust with disheveled hair flowing freely,
beneath it a sprig, in most cases of three figs or olive leaves; in a very
rare variety it is of shamrock. The Reverse has two half wreaths,
fastened by a ribbon at the bottom, the xJ-g- below and Legend at the last;
both sides have a beaded circle around,, the edge. Many Wreath Cents
have the vine and bars; but one variety has the words “One Hundred for.
a Dollar” on the edge.
3. Liberty Cap Cent. These are larger in diameter, and are all lettered on
the edge “One Hundred for a Dollar.” The letters on the Obverse and
Reverse are larger than either of the preceding, and the beaded circles on
tlie edges are more bold and striking than in the last. On the Obverse
the flowing hair bust has a Liberty cap on a pole extending across and be¬
hind it. .
. In its general character, the Cent of 1794 resembles the Liberty Cap
Cent of 1793. It is slightly thicker and proportionately smaller in diame¬
ter. Instead of the beaded border, it has a serrated milling on both sides.
Many dies were used during the year, whose slight variations have afforded
a study to coin collectors. One of them resembles its predecessor in tiate
almost exactly. Two others differ only in a slight degree. In others the
letters and figures vary in size, position, etc., as also do the bust, cap, poie,
different parts of the half wreaths and their connecting ribbon. Seine of
them approach in style the Cent of 179o and one is its exact counterpait.
The essential difference between the main issues of 1794 and 1795 being
that in. the latter year the two or more adjoining hairs appear to be plaited
together just before the termination. These varieties are lienee sometimes
called the“Pli: £e.” The lower combination, or plait, also makes less of a
hook at the end in the 1795’s.
On -the Reverse the most notable differences are, in one the absence of
a dividing line in dhe fraction, and in another a ring of eighty-nine min¬
ute stars arranged around the periphery, some of them more or less
obliterated by the milling. Both of these varieties are quite rare. We
have seen three only of each.
Of the Cent and Half-Cent of 1795 we have the lettered and the un¬
lettered edge variety. The latter are lightest in weight, in accordance
with a law changing the standard for the future. In a few cabinets is
found a cent, bearing date of 1795, that is wholly different in artistic
make from all other Cents; the hair is much finer and brushed out neaiiy
straight; the lowest lock, however, is shaped like the letter S laid on its
side; the profile and high cheek bones suggest those of an Indian. Some
people imagine a resemblance to the portrait of p^homas Jefferson, hence
it is popularly known as the “Jefferson Head Cent.” The execution of
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the Reverse is equally distinguishing; the ribbon bow has three instead of
two turns, the leaves are longer, the berries smaller and more numerous,
and the stems finer than in any other United States Cent. Its orgin is>
a mystery, some believe it to have been a pattern, while others with more
probability assign it to a counterfeiter. At all events it is sufficiently rare
now to bring a good price; one hundred and forty-five dollars has been
paid for the best specimen known to the large body of collectors.
The Cents of this year, with lettered edges, are rarer than those without
the'lettering. They made a Liberty-Cap Cent in 1796. There was also
made‘a new style of Obverse during this year, which also was used in
1797 and 1798, For the first time the bust is draped. A fillet on the
back of head is revealed by its bow, but the hairs generally end in curls,
one on the cheek, two on the neck and several others behind. The libertj^-
cap is omitted, as is the lettering on the edge, never to reappear on the
American Cent.
Both varieties of the Cent of 1796 are not rare, one about as plentiful
as the other. But in an uncirculated condition, the liberty-cap is much
less seldom seen than the other and will command about double the price.
In 1797 no change to remark.
In the year 1798 a slight change was made in the Obverse of the Cent,
giving some of the curls a different termination from those of 1796, 1797,
and the early part of 1798. The latter device was continued each year,
until and including 1807. The Reverse remained •unchanged until the
same time, excepting some slight variations, probably unintentional, if not
positive mistakes. For instance, in 1797 and 1802 we find some without
stems to the wreaths, and in one case only one stem. In 1801 and 1802
some have instead of the fraction In addition to this error, a
variety of the Cent of 1802 has “United,” instead of “United.” In 1796-
we have in one instance “Liberty,” instead of “Liberty.”
In the changes made in 1808 an entirely new head was designed, facing
left. Seven stars are to the left and six to the right. The head has a
band tied across it, inscribed with the word Liberty^ and the hair is curled
gracefully below the bands on the Reverse. There is but one wreath,
with the ends tied together, entirely encircling the words “One Cent,” in
two lines, with a point between them and the line below. This style con¬
tinued until the year 1814, inclusive. It was also adopted on the Half-
Cent from 1809 to 1811, inclusive, when these coins were omitted until
1825. The same devices were then resumed until and including 1836, none
being made in 1827 and 1830, and one variety in 1B28 has but twelve
stars.
In 1815 no Cents were made at the United States Mint. In 1816 we
have a different Obverse. The head is broader than that of 1808, etc.,
and the hair is “put up” in a knot at the back part. The stars surround
the bust at regular intervals. This style with some variations, was con¬
tinued until the abolishment of the old copper cent in 1857, and the adop¬
tion of the nickel cent in its place; the most noticeable change being the
following : In 1817 one variety has fifteen instead of thirteen stars. In
1838 the plain string that confines the hair is replaced by a beaded string,
which was adopted thereafter. In 1839 there are five varieties, one of thein
is from an altered die of 1836.
A second has the head and Reverse of 1838. A third has a lock on the
forehead, and from the simple expression, is sometimes called the “ Silly
Head.” A fourth has also a remarkable expression and is called the
“Booby Head.” The line and point on the reverse are left off in this.
The fifth variety has a smaller head, less curly and more old maidish in
execution. The stars sM smaller and the letters on the reverse are larger.
This last was continued until 1857.
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Overstrikes of Cents occurred in 1798 over 1797, 1799 over 1798, 1800
over 1799, 1807 over 1806, 1810 over 1809, 1811 over 1810, 1819 over 1818,
1820 over 1819, 1823 and 1824 both over 1822, and 1839 over 1836. In
the Half-Cent series, we liave lb02 over 1800, and 1808 over 1807.
The most valuable Cents are about in the following order : 1795 Jeffer¬
son head, 1799, 1804, 1793, 1809, 1811, 1806, 1796, 1795, 1823. A fine
Jefferson head has sold for $145. But fine cents of common dates often
bring large prices. The sale of Mortimer McKenzie, in 1869, was most
successful, 88 cents realizing $1295. ^
A really fine set of Cents is worth $300 to $5C0, a fine set of Half-Cents,
about $200. •
In 1856 the Cent was made of an alloy of Copper 88 per cent, and
nickel 12 per cent. The device was an eagle volant with the usual
Legend —United States of America^ and date below the device. Reverse:
Two half wreaths of cereals enclosing the words ‘‘One Cent.” It weighed
72 grains. In 1859 the eagle was displaced by an Indian Head, with a
erown of feathers fastened by a band inscribed Liberty. On the Reverse
the cereal wreath was displaced by a wreath of laurel. In 1860 the Re¬
verse had a wreath of oak with a small shield separating the ends at the
top. There has been no cliange in the designs of either side since 1860,
but tlie alloy was changed in 1864 to copper 85 per cent., zinc and tin
-each 21 per cent., and the weight to 48 grains.
Half-Cerit. Of the Half-Cents of 1793 there were several dies, but
only one variety. They have Liberty-Caps lil^e the Cent, but the bust faces
towards the left, and the hair is confined by a fillet from the front and
iiround the head; the edge is lettered ‘"Two Hundred for a Dollar.” The
Half-Cent of 1794 is like the Cent of that year, Liberty-Cap facing right,
lettered edge same as 1793, there were several dies varying slightly, the
differences not of mucli interest, of 1795 are two varieties, lettered and
unlettered edge, the latter is lightest in weight, in accordance with a law
changing the standard weight for the future. Thick planchet, lettered edge
is the rarest of the two, the 1796 Half-Cent is the rarest of all the Half-
Oents and a fine piece is worth over Twenty Dollars, 1797 is like the last,
not very rare. We find one of this year with lettered edge, thin planchet,
which in fine condition is very rare. 1798 and 1799 none were coined, but
in isOO the Half-Cent appears but changed in design similar to that of
the Cent and the design was continued to 1808 inclusive, none were coined
in 1801. The Half-Cent of 1802 hi a fine condition is wmrth a large
preiniurn, in 1809 the design was changed to that of the Cent, and coined
to 1811 inclusive, when coinage was suspended until 1825, the same devices
were used until 1836 inclusive, none were coined in ls27 and lb30, in 1828
one variety has but twelve stars. They again were coined in 1840 with
the same pattern of the Cent of that year and continued without inter¬
mission until 1857' inclusive when their coinage was discontinued and none
have been coined since. ,♦
COLONIAL COINS.
The brass pieces of money, known as the “ Sommer Island ” pieces, were
undoubtedly the earliest coins ever struck for America. Their date and
the history of the coinage is not known, although there is reason to be¬
lieve that they were current about the year 1616. John Smith, Governor
of Virginia, in his history relates that Sir George Somers was ship-wrecked
upon the Bermudas, or Sommer Islands, in 161‘2, and that four years later
Daniel Tucker arrived as governor of these Islands. Smith adds that they
found a certain kind of brass money in circulation with a “hogge” on
one side. It appears that the islands were infested with these brutes. The
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Sommer Island Shilling has on one side a hog in the centre with XII
above, and both are surrounded with a beaded circle; exterior to and
around the latter is the Legend— Sommer Island. On the Reverse side is
a ship, with canvas spread and a flag on each of her mast-heads ;Ti beaded
circle surrounds the exterior of both sides. The Sommer Island Sixpence is
about half the size of the Sliilling, and an exact counterpart, only that VI
instead of XII surmounts the hog. Only three of the Shillings and one
Sixpence are known; the former has been imitated.
The New England Shilling, Sixpence, and Threepence, were the first
silver coins made in America. They were simple thin planchets of silver,
having N E stamped into one side, and XII, Yi or III stamped into the
other side. The authority for the coinage was given in the year 1652. It
was shortly after followed by an emission of the Pine Tree money
of the same denomination, and the Oak Tree money, which latter
also includes a Twopence. On the Obverse side is a Pine or Oak Tree
in the centre, around this a beaded circle; Legend, Masathvsets in; on
the exterior is another beaded circle. On the Reverse, ‘‘1652, XII” sur¬
rounded by two beaded circles, and between them “New England: An :
Dom.” Although they were coined for thirty years they all seem to bear
the same date, viz., 1652.
Copper Coins. The Granby or Higley Coppers are thought to be the first
made in America. They were made by a John Higley, at the town of
Granby in Connecticut, from 1737 to 1739, inclusive. Tliere are three
different varieties of tliis coin. Their Obverses are similar : A deer stand¬
ing ; below him a hand, a star, and III; around him is the Legend in¬
closed in two circles— Value me as you2)lcase. The Reverse of one variety
has three hammej's, crowned ; around them in the circles “Connecticut,” a
star and 1737. The second Reverse has three hammers crowned, and the
Legend— I am Good Copper., a hand, some dots fancifully arranged, and
1737. The third variety has abroad-axe and the Legend i Cut my Way
Through; a few also have date 1739. All these varieties of the Granby
Copper are quite rare, and when in a satisfactory condition they bring a
high price. It is alleged that the fineness of tlie quality of the copper
made them souglit after as an alloy of gold, and their use in this way may,
in part, account for their present great scarcity.
Among the early American Colonials, the money of Maryland under the
Proprietorship of Cecil the Second, Lord Baltimore, should not be
omitted. Tobacco had been a common medium of exchange ; furs were
also made use of to some extent, also powder and shot. On one occasion
his lordship’s cattle were given to some of the soldiers, who had become
mutinous for their pay. At a subsequent time a tax was levied upon the
people of several of tlie counties for a particular purpose. To obviate the
inconvenience of these media of exchange, the dies for a silver coinage of
Shillings, Sixpence, and Groats, were prepared in London. A limited num¬
ber of each was struck, and they are all now rare—the Groats much the most
so. They each have a bust of Lord Baltimore, draped, looking toward the
observer’s left. Legend— Ccecilivs: Bns: Tcrrce Marice: etc. Reverse; a
lozenged shield, surmounted by a crown, and dividing the numerals XII.,
YI. and lY.j Legend— Crescite: et: Midiiplicamini.
There is also in existence a copper piece, supposed to be unique, and
evidently a penny. Oik^ side has a similar design with the silver pieces.
The Reverse has a ducal coronet with two pennants flying. Legend—
Benarivm: Terra Marioe.
In the year 1783 a goldsmith of Annapolis, Maryland, issued silver
tokens of three denominations: Shillings, Sixpence and Threepence. The
Shilling has two hands clasped within a wreath. Legend— I Chalmers
Annapolis. Reverse: A circle is divided by a horizontal bar; above it is
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67
a serpent, below it are two doves vis-a-vis, holding a branch in their beaks.
Legend— One Shilling^ 1783. The Sixpence has a five pointed star within
a wreath. Legend— I Chalmers. Annapolis. Eeverse: A long cross, two
arms terminating in stars and two in crescents, a leaf in each angle.
Legend— I. C. Sixpence., 1783. The Threepence has two hands clasped
within a wreath. Legend— I. Chalmers. Annap^s. Eeverse : A branch en¬
circled by a wreath. Legend— Three Pence, 1783. The Shilling is rather
common; a good one brings three dollars. The Sixpence is rare and sells
from Six to Ten Dollars when .fine. The Groat is scarce and worth Eight
or Ten Dollars.
Another private token in silver is sometimes called the Baltimore Town
Piece. It has a head facing left in a circle. Legend— Baltimore Town,
July Jf,, 1790. Eeverse: ‘‘Three Pence,” within a circle, underscored.
Legend—Standish Barry. The piece brings Eight Dollars and more.
In 1682, the colonial legislature of New Jersey passed a law legalizing a
kind of copper money brought from Ireland by a settler named Mark
Newby. There were two sizes, bearing different legends on the Eeverse.
On their Obverse, King Charles the First, in the character of King David
appears kneeling and playing upon a harp. Above the harp is a crown
with a piece of brass inserted into it. Legend— Floreat Bex, The larger
piece has on the Eeverse, St. Patrick standing, holding a trefoil or sham¬
rock in his right hand and a crozier in his left. Several people are around
him, apparently to receive his blessing. At his left is a shield with the
coat of arms of Dublin. Legend —Ecce Grex.
The small coin has on its Eeverse St. Patrick standing, in his left hand
a double cross, the right is extended. Snakes and other reptiles are flee¬
ing before him. At the right is a church. Legend— Quiescat Plebs. A
few of the smaller size are found in silver. But in either metal they are
very scarce, and usually they are badly worn by circulation.
A token much prized by collectors is known as the Carolina Elephant.
The Obverse is from a rather common English token known now as the
London Elephant. The animal is standing with his head down. There is
no legend. Eeverse: “God: preserve: Carolina: and the Lords: Proprie-
ters 1694.” This is in six lines. One variety spells one word Proprietor's,
and is a great rarity.
There is also a New England Elephant. Obverse from the same die as
the last London piece. Eeverse : “ God : Preserve : New : England : 1694,”
in five lines. Only two or three of these are known at the present time.
A very fine one sold in the Mickley collection in 1867 for $235.00.
William S. Appleton, of Boston, was the purchaser.
An interesting medalet that passed as money among the colonists is
known as the Pitt token. A bust of the orator is circumscribed with the
Legend— The Bestorer of Commerce 1766: JS7o Stamps. The other side has
a ship with canvas spread and five flags flying, sailing towards the ob¬
server’s right; she is about striking on the word “America,” which is
placed in a straight line in the right field. Legend— Thanks to the Friends
of Liberty and Trade. The piece brings from Twenty-Five Cents to Five
or Six Dollars, according to condition.
The needs of the colonists for a circulating medium was met in 1722-23
by the issue of the Bosa Americana money. A man named William Wood
obtained patents for coining Irish and American tokens. Both of them,
however, were much used in the latter country. The Eosa’s are in a com¬
position according to tlie terms of the patent, of silver, brass and spelter.
The largest piece, usually called the penny, has a head of George I., look¬
ing to the right, laureated. Legend— Georgivs: D: G: Mag: Bri: Fra: eU
llih: Bex, Eeverse ; a full-blown rose (in some cases surmounted with a
crown.) Legend— ^‘•Bosa Americana, 172^'*'* (or 1723.) On a scroll below is
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yiSlTOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
09
the sentiment ‘‘Utile Dulci.” One variety is without the scroll. The Half¬
penny is similar; a few are found with the date 1724. The Earthing is
also similar. The w'ords Utile Dulci are never found on the uncrowned
Halfpence and Earthings. Eine specimens of the Rosa’s bring from Eive to
Ten Dollars each. The rarer varieties, of course, much more.
An extremely rare Rosa Americana of the largest size exists, of the date
1738. One of them is said to be in the British Museum. Another w^as
sold from the collection of Dr. Chas. Clay, of Manchester, England, in
New York City, in the year 1871, for $190. Obverse, laureated bust of
George II, “ Georgivs II., D. G. Rex.” Reverse; rose branch with seven
leaves, a full-blown rose and a bud crowned; “Rosa Americana, 1733.”
“Utile Dulci,” on a scroll, beneath the rose.
We sometimes meet wdth a copper coin something smaller in diameter
and not so thick as the old U. S. Cent, having the following characters :
Obverse, two L’s crossed under a crown. Legend— Sit Nomen Domini
Beneclictum. Reverse: “Colonies Erancoises 1721 H.” Sometimes the date
is 1722. The piece tells its own story, being issued during the minority of
Louis XY by the Erench Government for its Colonies. As Louisiana was
one of these, it probably circulated there, and is accordingly classed
among American Colonials.
Another considerably heavier copper, engrailed on the edge was issued by
the same government in the year 1767. Obverse: Two flambeaux, crossed
and tied together. Legend— Colonies Francoises L. XV, Reverse: Three
fleur-de-lis under a crown, are encircled by two half-wreaths fastened by
their stems. Legend— Sit Nomen Domini Benedictum 1767,
The majority of those now seen have had the three fleur-de-lis obliter¬
ated by the letters R E stamped upon them. This, it is believed, was
done by order of the Republican Government after its establishment.
The well-known Virginia Half-Pennies seem to have been very plentiful.
A number of different dies were used. A laureated bust of George the
Third is surrounded, as on the English Halfpenny, with his title “Georgivs.
III. Rex.” The Reverse has an ornamental and crowned shield, em¬
blazoned quarterly: 1, England empaling Scotland; 2, Erance; 3, Ireland;
4, the electoral dominions. Legend— Virginia. Date, 1773. One variety
is so much larger than the others as sometimes to be called the penny,
but it is not neurly large enough.
A similar devise, dated 1774, has been found in silver, and is known as
the Virginia Shilling. It is possible that a coinage of Shillings for Vir¬
ginia was intended at this time, of which the above was a pattern. How¬
ever this may have been, the coin is of great rarity, probably less than
half a dozen in all are known to coin collectors of the present day.
A very rare if not unique piece, whose history is not known, is called
the “Non Dependens Status,” from the Legend on the Obverse. This
Legend surrounds a draped bust, facing right, the hair falling on the
shoulder. Reverse : an Indian in a tunic of feathers, facing left, seated on
a globe. In his right hand is a bunch of tobacco; his left rests upon a
shield. Legend— America, Date, 1778. Judging by the copy that has
been made of this piece, which is said to have been engraved only, it must
be a fine design handsomely executed.
The Bar Cent is believed to have been made in England, m the year
1785, and sent over to New York for circulation in America. It has the
monogram U. S. A. in large Roman letters. In one variety the S is over
the other letters, and in another the S is over the U, and the A over the
5. The Reverse has thirteen parallel bcirs. A good Bar Cent can be had
for Three or Eour Dollars. Other pieces made probably in this country,
but not authorized, that were intended for the needs of the New York
colonists, will now be described.
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
COrOiriAI. AND CONTINENTAL COINS.
Connecticnt Copper- i New Jersey Copper,
Jfew Jersey “STova Ca?sarea” Coppei’S.
71
VISITOR’S GUIliE TO THE U. S. MINT.
The Nova Eboracs have a laureatecl head, facing right, with mailed bust.
Legend— Nova JEborac, Reverse: the Goddess of Liberty, seated upon a
globe; in one variety facing right, in three others facing left. She holds
the liberty pole with a cap in tlie right hand, and an olive branch in the
left. Beside her is the New York Shield. Legend— VirL et Lih. Date,
1787. The common varieties bring, in good condition, about a
Dollar.
The Excelsior Coppers have the coat of arms of the State of New
York, with the word ‘‘Excelsior” in the exergue. Reverse: an eagle dis¬
played ; on the breast a shield argent ; in one talon a bundle of arrows, in
the other an olive branch and thirteen stars about his head. Date, 1787.
Two varieties ; in good condition, Fifteen to Twenty Dollars.
The New York Washington Cent has a bust with wig, and with military
draping, face right. Legend— Non vi virtute vicL Reverse, the Goddess
of Liberty, seated, with liberty pole and scales of justice. Legend— Neo
I]bor acen sis. Date, 1786.
The New York Immunis Columbia has the Goddess of Liberty, seated
upon a globe, the scales in her left hancL and liberty pole, with cap and
flag, in the right. Legend— Immunis Columbia, Date, 1787. Reverse:
An eagle displayed, with arrows and olive branch in his talons. Legend—
E Pluribits Unum,
The George Clinton Copper has the bust of Governor Clinton facing
right, with Legend— George Clinton, Reverse: the State arms of New
York, and in the exergue “1787 Excelsior.” This last Reverse is found
also combined with tlie Liber Natus, which has an Indian standing, fac¬
ing left, with tomahawk in the right hand and bow in the left, a bundle
of arrows also at his back. Legend— Liber Natus Libertatem Defendo,
This latter Obverse is also found combined with another Reverse as follows :
An eagle stands upon a section of the globe. .Legend— Neo Emhoracus
1787 Excelsior, The foregoing are very rare, excepting the Immunis Col¬
umbia, which sells in good condition for Five Dollars or more. The others,
including the N. Y. Washington, bring from Twenty-five to more than a
hundred dollars.
Brasher’s Doubloon has the device, a sun rising from behind a range of
mountains, in the foreground the sea, “ Brasher ” underneath, and a
beaded circle around. Legend— Nova. Ehoraca, Columbia, Excelsior, Re¬
verse : An eagle displayed with shield upon his breast, and arrows and
olive branch in his talons, thirteen stars about his head. “E. B.,” in an
oval has been struck in his right wing. Legend— TJnum E Pluribus 1787.
Only about four of the gold pieces are known, one of them in the U.
S. Mint cabinet.
The Mott tokens were issued by the Mott firm in N. Y. City, and are
considered the first tradesmen’s tokens coined in America. Device: A
clock with an eagle perched upon the top. Legend— MoUs^ N, Y. Impor¬
ters^ Dealers, Maimfaciurers of Gold and Silver Wares. Reverse : An eagle
with wings expanded, facing left; a shield is upon his breast, and the
talons have arrows and olive branches respectively. Above is the date,,
1789. Legend— Chronometers, Clocks, Watches, Jeirelry, Silver Ware,
The Talbot, Allum & Lee tokens have as device a ship sailing towards
the right. Above the ship “New York.” Legend— Talbot, Allum & Lee,
One Cent. Reverse : The Goddess of Liberty standing beside a bale of
merchandise, her right hand supports the liberty staff with cap, her left
rests upon a rudder. Legend— Liberty and Commerce. Date, 1794. On
the edge “Payable at the store of.”
In 1795 there was a slight variation, reading as follows on the Obverse:
“At the store of Talbot, Allum & Lee, New York.” On the edge, “We
promise to pay the bearer One Cent.” Of course the date was 1795.
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
73
Tlie tokens of Mott and of Talbot, Allum & Lee are quite plentiful.
That of the latter of 1795 is scarcer than the 1794. From one to two
dollars will purchase any of the three, in fine condition.
In the year 1785 permission was given to Eeuben Harman, Jr., of Yer-
mont, by the Legislature of that State, to coin copper money. In the latter
part of the year they first appeared, and were coined m 1786, 1787 and
1788. The first bore the following devices: A sun rising behind a wooded
range of hills, beneath it a plow. Legend— Vermonts lies JPuhlica^ on one
wariety and Vermontis Bes Puhlica on another. Reverse: An eye with a
fjinall circle, surrounded with twenty-six rays, one-half of each being longer
than the alternate half. A circle of thirteen stars fills up the spaces
between tlie end of the short rays and the long ones. Legend— Stella
Quarta Decima,
In 1786 a similar style was adopted on one variety, but the legend reads
Vermontensium Bes Puhlica. On the Reverse the long rays terminate in
sharp points, and the others are omitted.
Another variety was totally different. It has a laureated bust, facing
right, with the Legend— Auctori Verinon, Reverse: The Goddess of
Liberty seated, facing left, with staff and olive branch. Legend— hide
Lib, This is called the Baby-head Vermont, and is valued at from 50
cents to $2.00, according to condition.
The third variety has the head facing left, and is rather scarce.
In 1787 the head faces in two varieties toward the right, and in one
towards the left; the legend on the Reverse of the latter is Britannia,
It is common.
In all the issues of 1788 the head faces right. There ai*e a number of
varieties, some common and others rare.
There is a rare Vermont, bearing for Reverse an ‘‘Immunis Columbia,”
exactly like that formerly described, excepting that it is dated 1785,
and the legend reads Immune Columhis, In good condition it is worth Five
Hollars.
The Tory Gents are of two kinds ; one of these has the Reverse “ Immune
Columbia,” the other has that of tlie ordinary Vermont coppers of 1788.
Tlie Obverses are similar to tlie English half-pence of the period, having a
laureated bust of George III, with his title, “ Georgivs III., Rex.”
Authority was given, in 17fe, to^Samuel Bishop, James Hillhouse, Joseph
Hopkins and John Goodrich, to coin coppers for Connecticut. The dies
were made by Abel Buel, of Hew Haven. They .were coined in the
period from 1785 to 178S inclusive, and are similar to those of Vermgnt
of 1788, excepting that the legend is Auctori Connec, In each year differ¬
ent varieties have the head facing right in some cases and left in others.
The most noteworthy of the Connecticut’s are, the African Head of 1785.
the ^‘Et Lib Inde,” and Hercules Head of 1786, the “ Et Lib Inde,”
Governor Bradford Head, Horned Bust, Laughing Head, Connect, Auctobi,
Auctopi, and Auciori of 1787 ; and the Conlec of 1788. The most of these
are not rare and can usually be had in very good condition for a dollar
or less.
The coining of coppers for Hew Jersey was given by law to Walter
Mould, Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox. There were two Mints, one at
Elizabethtown and one at Morristown. They have a horse head, usually
facing right, wdth a plow below it, and the legend— JSfova Caesarea, Hate
in the exergue. Reverse: A shield with the motto around the border
jE Plurihiis TJnum. In ordinary condition the Hew Jersey can be had for
from ten to fifty cents. The most popular varieties are:
Plow without coulter, - - - - - $1.00 to 3.00
Plow with date under the beam, _ _ . - $100.00
Plow with Immunis Columbia, 1786, for Obverse, - - $50.00
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YISITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
75 -
Plow with Gen. AVashington bust, “ _ _ I150.00-
E Pluribus Unum, - - - - - - $2.00 to 4.00-
Horse head facing left, - - - - - 1.00 to 5.00
AV'ith a fox or horse on the Reverse, - - - 1.00 to 4.00
Dr. E. Maris, of Philadelphia, has published a history of the coins of
New Jersey, with a large phototype plate of the Obverses and Reverses of
all known varieties. They are of the natural size and make 140 pictures.
Massachusetts coined Cents and Half-Cents, each dated 1787 and 1788.
They are similar in design, having an Indian standing with a bow in his.
right and an arrow in his left hand. Legend— Commonwealth^ separated
by a five-pointed star. Reverse: An eagle displayed, on his breast a shield
argoit, six pales gules^ a chief azure; on the chief the word Cent” or
Half-Cent ” ; in the- eagle’s right talon is an olive branch, and in hia
left a bundle of arrows. Legend— Massachusetts, Date in the exergue.
The Cent is worth a Dollar in fine condition, the Half-Cent twice as
much as the Cent.
There are several pieces in silver, of patterns designed for the Colonies,
which are of two sizes. They have an eye. in the centre, surrounded with
thirteen rays and thirteen stars between the points, similar to the Reverse
of the Yermontensium pieces. Legend— N'ova Covstellatio. Reverse: A
wreath encircles ‘‘U. S. 1000 ” on the large and ‘‘U. S. 500” on the
smaller piece. Legend— Liber Las Jusiitia^ and the date, 1783, in the exergue.
One variety of the smaller-sized piece is without date or legend on the
Reverse. All are extremely rare or unique.
The copper Nova Constellatios are similar in design to the silver pieces
above described. One variety has wedge-shaped blocks, pointing towards
the centre, between each of the stars. Another has the Legend spelled
“Nova Constelatio.” Some varieties have, on the Reverse, Roman and
others script letters in the centre (U. S.,) but none have the denomiiia*
tional figures like the silver pieces. They have various dates, 1783, 1785
and 1780. The latter are exceedingly rare, the others are all common.
Somo rare combinations are, with “ Immune Columbia ” 1785 Reverse,
worth Eifteen or Twenty Dollars, and the same with the wedge-shaped
rays and “Immune Columbia” Reverse, lately sold for One Hundred
Dollars. • ^
Of the “Inimica Tyrannis ” Coppers there are two slight variations in
the Obverse. An Indian is standing before an altar with his riglit foot
upon a crown. In his left hand is a bow, in the right an arrow, and a
quiver full of arrows on his back. Legend— Inimica Tyrannis AmerififiLna,
There are two Reverses. In each there is a cluster of thirteen stars in the
centre, with a glory surrounding them, in one case having twenty-four and
in the other sixteen rays. Legend— Oonfederatio. Date 1785. Both Ob¬
verses are combined with the first-named Reverse, and one' of them with
both Reverses. The Reverse “ Confederatio, ” is also combined with a Re¬
verse “ Nova Constellatio ” 1785, with the Gen. Washington head men¬
tioned in the coins of New Jersey, with the “Immunis Columbia” 1786,
and with a Reverse similar to that on the Excelsior Cent described on
former page, excepting that it is dated 1786.
The last-named die is also found with the Gen. Washington and Avith
that, the N. J. shield, which is an Obverse to the “ Immunis Columbia ”
of 1786.
Washington Tokens. There are in existence a large number of copper
and silver pieces having a bust of Washington on one side. Only those
tokens that were issued for or were used as money will be described here,
all others being properly medals or medalets.
The Unity States Cent has a bust of AVashington, draped and facing
left. Legend— Washington and Independence 1783. Reverse, “ One Cent ”
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76
YISITOE’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MINT.
in two lines, enclosed by two olive brandies, fastened at the bottom with
a ribbon. Legend —States of America. This is supposed to be of
Erench origin.
A similar Obverse is found combined with a different Eeverse, having
Liberty seated looking left, with pole and cap on it in the left hand, and
with an olive branch in the right hand, which is extended. Legend—
United States above. There were two dies of this variety; one pair of
them still exists in England, and proof-impressions are furnished from them,
some in silver and others in copper ; the latter has an engrailed line on
the edge to distinguish it from original impressions.
Two other dies have smaller heads on their Obverses; they are known
as the “Small Head Washington,” those last previously described are
known as the “Large Head Washington.” - .
The Double Head AEashington has a small head on both Obverse and
Eeverse. The former has the Legend— Washington; the latter the Legend—
(Jne Cent.
The Large Eagle AVashington Cent has a bust of Washington in
military costume, facing left, the hair tied in a queue. Date, 1791. Le¬
gend— Washington President. Eeverse: a large eagle displayed, on his
breast a shield argent., six paZes gules; in his beak is a scroll bearing the
motto, “E Pluribus Unum” ; in his right talon is an olive branch, in the
left a bundle of arrows ; above the head are the words, “One Cent;” on
the edge are the words, “ United States of America.
The Small Eagle Washington Cent is precisely like the large Eagle
Cent on the Obverse, excepting that the date is wanting. The Eeverse
has a smaller eagle than the last, displayed, with the wings upraised and
the talons grasping tha olive branch and arrows ; a shield on the breast is
similar to that on the large Eagle Cent excepting that it has a Chief azure.
The words “One Cent” are above, and the date 1791, at the base; a
circle of clouds extends from wing to wing of the eagle, and eight stars
are about his head. The edge is lettered “United States of America.”
The last described Obverse is found with another Eeverse, which has a
ship with canvas spread, sailing toward the light; above it is the Legend—
Halfpenny ; the date is 1793.
The Naked Bust Washingtork Cent has the undraped bust of AVash-
ington facing right, the hair tied with a fillet, date 1792. The Eeverse is
similar to the Small Eagle Cent, excepting that the date is wanting, also
the clouds, and there are six instead of eight stars.
A]L the foregoing Washington pieces except the first-described are of
English origin. The next are from dies supposed to have been made in
Philadelphia, by Peter Getz, of Lancaster, Penn a.
The 1792 AAashington Cent and Half-Dollar resemble on the Obverse
the large eagle Cent, excepting the date 1792 instead of 1791, and the
legend which reads G. Washington President I. The Eeverse resembles
that of the small eagle Cent, excepting that there are fifteen stars instead
of eight; the clouds are wanting and the body of the eagle is larger in
the 1792 piece. When in copper this is called the “Cent;” when in
silver the “Half-Dollar.” They are larger in diameter than the other
AAashington Cents.
The next described pieces are of unknown ODgiii.
The AAashington Piece with stars over the eagle, resembles the large
eagle Cent of 1791, excepting that on the Obverse the date is 1792, and
the Eeverse, in place of the words “One Cent,” there is a single star
over the head of the eagl(\ above which twelve similar stars form a
curve reaching from wing to wing of the eagle. It is found in copper
and silver; some specimens have the edge lettered “United States of
America,”
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yiSITOR’S GUIDE TO THE U. S. MIJSTT.
77'
The following token is supposed to be of American origin.
A bust of Washington with queue, facing right. Legend—George Wash¬
ington. Reverse: A liberty-cap in the centre, with rays radiating around
it, every third ray being longer than the rest and separated from each otheiv
fifteen stars arranged in a circle. Legend—/Swccess to ihe United States.
It is usually in brass, but rarely it is found in copper, and is of two sizes,
the larger something larger than the early U. S. Quarters, the other a
shade larger than the early Dimes.
A few English tokens, usually classed as Colonials, referring to this
country, will now be mentioned.
The Georgivs Triumpho copper has a head laureated, facing right.
Legend—Georgivs Triumpho. Reverse: Goddess of Liberty facing left,
behind a frame of thirteen bars with a fleur-de-lis in each corner An
olive branch is held in her right hand, a staff of liberty in her left.
Legend— Voce Popoli. Date 1783, Worth a Dollar in fine condition.
The North American token has a female seated, facing left, with a harp.
Legend— Worth American Token. Date 1781. Reverse: A ship sailing to
the left. Legend— Commerce^ Worth fifty cents when fine.
The Auctori Plebis has a bust, laureated and draped, facing left.
Legend— Auctori: Plelis. Reverse : A female seated, with her left arm
resting on an anchor, the right on a globe; at her feet is a lion. Legend—
Indep. et liber. Date 1787. Worth One to Three Dollar.
The Eranklin Press has an old-fashioned printing press and Legend—
Sic oritur doctrina surgetque libertas. Date 1794. Reverse : Payable at the
Eranklin Press, London, in five straight lines. Worth fifty cents in fine
condition.
A popular token, known as the Kentucky Cent, has a hand holding a
scroll inscribed ‘‘ Our Cause is Just.” Vegeud—Unanimity is the Strength of
Society. Reverse: A radiant pyramid, triangular in shape, of fifteen stars
united by rings, each star having placed in it an initial of a State, Ken¬
tucky being at the top. Legend—E? Pluribus Unum. It is often found
considerably circulated, showing it to have been used, and sells from fifty
cents to several dollars, according to condition.
Two other Kentucky tokens of beautiful execution, which do not appear
to have been circulated, are sometimes bfought over from England. They
have the same Obverse, which has for a device a female, personating Hope,
bending before an anchor and presenting two children to a female who
stands with a liberty-cap in the right hand and with the other outstretched
to receive them. Uegend—British Settlement Kentucky. Date i790i Re¬
verse : (No. 1) Britannia with bowed head, holding a spear inverted ; a
fasces, broken sword and scales of justice lie at her feet; before her is a
cap of liberty. Legend— Payable by P. P. P, Myddleton. Reverse; (No. 2)
Copper Company of Upper Canada,” in four straight lines within a
wreath, is surrounded with the Legend—One Half Penny, Both of these
tokens are found in copper with the first described Reverse. It is some¬
times found in silver.
The Continental Currency Piece has thirteen rings linked together, each
bearing the name of a State. Legend—Amer^can Congress, on a label
around the centre. In the centre are the Avords ‘‘We are One.” Between
the legend and rings a circle of rays are- seen. Reverse: A sun-dial with
the sun shining upon it on the left side. Legend— Continental Currencfi.
Date 1776 below. “Mind Your Business” below the dial; “Engio”
near the sun and under “Continental.”
These pieces are as large as a silver dollar and are usually in tin, but
a few are known in silver and one in brass. One variety has currency
spelt with one “r” and another, which is rare, has “E. G., Eecit,” at
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lecb coiunrioii, seventy-live cents to one dollai*. A nuin
made, varying slightly. In some cases the word
‘‘ United.”
A number of impressions in silver and also in alloy of
from original dies, were struck a few years ago.
There are also a few pieces in existence that differ n
those authorized by the resolution of Congress. One c
within the rings, others have the names of the States oi
the words “ AVe are One” omitted and ‘‘American Congi
place of “United State!^*” Some of them have an eye in
all of them rays between the motto and the rings. The
out any letters. One specimen is knovn in brass, and
patterns in silver. They all would command Ihgh price
especially so, but have rarely passed hands.
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yiSlTOK’B GUIDE TO THlf U. S. MIIIT. 79
BTAISTDAEB NUMISMATIC WOM^
The puhlisher of The Visitor's Uruide furnishes, at prices quoted, the
following standard publications, relating to Numisnaatics, or any of kindred
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Coins of New Jersey, an exhaustive work upon this special subject,
by Edward Maris, M. D. $4.00.
Monograph of U. S. Cents and, Half-Cents. Nine Heliotype
plates, with ]iundreds of illustrations, by Edward Erossard. $3.00.
The Early Coins of America, and Laws Governing their Issue. A
valuable and complete work ; 1000 heliotype plate and wood cut illustra¬
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U. S. Silver Coin Type Table, picturing every known variety of
dollar, half and quarter, giving the numismatic value of each and the
prices paid therefor, at sales of Nov. 28, 29 & 30, 1881, 75 cts.
The Coin Collectors Illustrated Gruide, published quarterly, by
A. M. Smith, a briglit, newsy, original periodical, filled with matter of in¬
terest to every Collector or amateur, with pages of finest coin illustrations,
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Eiicyclopoedia of Ooid and Silver Coins of the World, with II-
liistrations and Description of Over 6000 Coins. The most valuable,
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For any of the above works, or any others desired, address
A. M. SMITH,
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P. 0. Box 754. Philadelphia, Pa.
Numismatic Manual and Coin Catalogue, By A. M. Smith, about
400 illustrations of Gold, Silver, Copper and Nickel Coins of colonial times,
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COPYRIGHTED BY A. M. SMITH,
CURBEBT GOLD ABD SILVER C0IB3 OF THE WORLD.
A COMPILATION FROM OFFICIAL DATA.
Name, Fineness and Weight, of Coins furnished especially for this work by the Hon.
Director U. S. Mint. Amount of Pure Metal in Each Piece, accurately computed. Cur»
rent Valuation of the Coins based upon the official proclamation of the Secretary XJ. S.
Treasury, that “ the values of such coins, expressed iu the money of account of the United
States, are to be taken in estimating the values of all foreign merchandize, made out in
any or said Currencies,”
Gold.
Coin, i
Legal Weight
Grains.
Fineness.
Grains of
Pure Gold,
Metal
Value.
AUSTRIA.
Quadr’pl Ducat.
215.40
986.1
212.4
$9.12
1 “
63.85
986.1
53.1
2.28
8 Florins.
99.56
900.
89.6
3.85
4 Florins.
49.78
900.
44.8
1.92
ARGENTINE
1 Argentine.
124.45
900.
112.
4.82
REPUBLIC.
62.22
900.
55.9
2.41
BELGIUM.
100 Francs.
497.80
900.
4.39
18.89
50
248.90
900.
224.
9.64
20 “
99.56 .
900.
89.6
3.85
10
49.78
900.
44.8 '
1.92
5 “
24.89
900.
. 22.4
.96
BOLIVIA.
10 Bolivianos.
248.90
900.
224.
9.64
5
124.45
900.
112.
4.82
2 “
49.78
900.
44.8
1.92
BRAZIL.
20 Milreis.
276.63
916.6
253.5
10.92
10
138.31
916.6
126.7
5.45
5
69.16
916.6
63.3
2.72
CENTRAL
Half Onza.
254.
875.
222.2
9.57
AMERICA.
-i
127.
875.
llLl
4.78
63.5
875.
55.5
2.39
1-16
31.7
875.
27.7
1.19
Ten Pasos.
294.
875.
257.2
11.07
5
147.
875.
128.6
5.53
2 “
58.8
875.
51.4
4.21
1
29.4
875.
25.7
1.10
CHILI.
Condor.
235.35
900.
211.8
9.11 .
Doubloon.
117.67
'900.
105.9
4.51
Escudo.
47.07
900.
42.3
1.82
Peso.
23.53
900.
21,1
.91
DENMARK.
20 Crowns (Kroner.) 138.28
900.
124 4
5.35
10 • “
69.14
900.
62.2
2.67
EGYPT.
100 Piasters.
131.18
875.
114,7
4.94
50
65.59
875.
57.3
2 47
25
32.79
875.
28.6
1.23
ENGLAND.
Sovereign,
123.27
916 6
113.
4.86
61.63
916.6
56.5
2.43
FRANCE.
100 Francs.
497.80
900.
448.
19.28
50
248.90
900.
224.
9.64
20 “
99.56
900.
89.6
3.85
10
49.78
900.
44.8
1.92
5
24.89
900.
22.4
.96
GERMANY.
20 Marks.
122.91
' 900.
110.6
4.75
10
61.45
>900.
55.3
2,37
5 “
30.72
900.
27.6
1.18
GREECE.
100 Drachihas.
497.80
900.
448.
$19.28
50
248.90
900.
224.
9.64
20
99.56
900.
89.*6
3.85
10
49.78
900.
44.8
1.92
5
24.89
900.
22.4
.96
HAYTI.
10 Gourdes.
248.90
900.
224.
9.64
5
124.45
900.
112.
4.82
80
2 “
49.78
900.
44.8
1.92
1 “
24.89
900.
22.4
.96
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250
100
50
25
1
10 Florins.
20 Crowns.
10
5 Incas.
2 “
1 “
1 Coroa.
i “
1-5 “
1-10 “
Half Imperial.
3 Koubles.
100 Pesetas.
50
20 “
10
5 “ •
Same as Denmark.
Same as France.
600 Piasters.
NETHERLANDS.
NORWAY.
PERU.
PORTUGAL.
RUSSIA.
SPAIN.
SAVEDEN.
SWITZERLAND.
TURKEY.
556.
oo.zo
26.11
103.7
138.28
69.14
89.65
35.86
17.93
273.68
136.84
64.73
27.36
100.98
60.59
497.8
248.9
99
49
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Owing to the frequent'Variations in the metal value of Silver, it is here computed at TJ. S.
__value, 1000 fine, $1.00 per ounce.
Silver.
Coin.
Legal
W eight.
Fineness.
Pure
Silver.
Metal
Value.
Current
Value.
AUSTRIA.
2 Florins.
381.03
900.
342.92
.71
$.79.6
1
190.51
900.
171.46
.35
.39.8
2 Union Thaler.
571.54
900.
514.38
1.07
1.19.4
285.77
900.
257.19
.53
.‘~9.7
ARGENTINE
1 Peso.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.96.5
REPUBLIC.
192.9
900.
173.6
.36
.48.2
1-5
77.16
900.
69.44
.14
.19.3
1-10
38.58
900.
34.72
.07
.09.6
1-20
19.29
900.
17.36
.03
.04.8
BELGIUM.
5 Francs.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.96.5
2 “
154.32
835.
128.85
.26
.38.6
1
77.16
835.
64.42
.13
.19.3
50 Centimes,
38,58
835.
32.21
.06
.09.6
20
15.43
835.
12.97
.02
.03.8
BOLIVIA.
1 Boliviano.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.80.6
192.9
900.
173.6
.36
.40.3
1 Peseta.
77.16
900.
69.44
.14
.16.1
1 Real.
38.58
900.
34.72
.07
.08.
19.29
900.
17.36
.03
.04.
BRAZIL.
2 Milreis.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
1.09.2
1
192.9
900.
173.6
.36
.54.6
96.45
900.
86.8
.18
.27.3
CENTRAL
50 Centavos.
254.
750.
190.
.39
.50.
AMERICA.
25
127.
750.
95.
.19
.25.
10
50.8
750.
38.1
.08
.10.
5
25.4
750.
19.
.04
.05.
CHILI.
1 Peso.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.91.2
50 Centavos,
192.9
900.
173.6
.36
.45.6
20 “
77.16
900.
69.44
.14
.18.2
10
38.58
900.
34.72
.07
.09.1
5
19.29
900.
17.36
.03
.04.5
DENMARK.
2 Crown.
231.48
800.
185.18
.38
.53.6
1 “
115.74
800.
92.59
.19
.26.8
50 Oere.
77.16
600.
46.30
.09
.13.4
40 “
61.72
600.
37.03
.07
.10.8
25
37.34
600.
22.40
.04
.06.7
10 “
22.37
400.
8.94
.01
.02.7
ECUADOR. .
1. Peso.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.80.6
EGYPT.
10 Piasters.
192.9
750.
144.6
.30
,49.
5 “
96.45
750.
72.3
.15
.24.5
2J “
48.22
750.
36.1
.07
.12.2
1 ‘‘
19.29
750.
14.43
.03
.04.9
ENGLAND.
Crown.
436.36
925.
403.63
.84
1.21.6
i “
218.18
925.
201.81
.42
.60.8
Florin.
174.54
925.
161.44
.33
.48.6
Shilling.
87.27
925.
80.72
.16
.24.3
Six-pence.
43.63
925.
40.36
.08
.12.1
FourqDence.
29.09
925.
26.90
.05
.08.
Three-pence.
21.81
925.
20.18
.04
.06.
Two-pence.
14.54
925.
13.44
.02
.04.
FRANCE,
Penny.
7.27 •
925.
6.72
.01
.02.
5 Franc.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.96.5
2' “
154.32‘
835.
128.85
.26
.38.6
1
77.16
835.
64.42
.13
.19.3
50 Centimes.
38.58
835.
32.21
.06
.09.6
20 “
15.43
835.
12.97
.02
.03.8
GERMANY.
5 Marks,
428.66
900.
385.79
.80
1.19.
2 “
171.46
900.
154.31
.32
.57.6
1 “
85.73
900.
77.15
.16
.23.8
50 Pfennig.
42.86
900.
38 57
.08
.11.9
20
17.14
900.
15.42
.03
.04.7
GREECE.
5 Drachmas,
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.96.5
82
2 “
154.32
835.
128.85
.26
.38.6
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Metal valne of Silver, it is here computed at U. S. valu e, 1000 fine, $1.00 per ounce.
Silver.
Coin.
Legal
Weight,
Fineness.
Pure
Silver.
Metal
Value.
Current
Value.
GU/EECE— Continued
. 1 Drachmas.
77.16
835.
64.42
.13
.19.3
60 Lepta.
38.58
835.
32.21
.06
.09.6
HAYTI.
20
15.43
835.
12.97
.02
.07.7
1 Gourde.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.96.5
60 Centimes.
192.9
835.
161.1
.33
.48.2
20
77.16
835.
64.42
.13
.19;3
10
38.58
835.
32.21
.06
.09.6
6
19.29
835.
16.10
.03
.04.8
INDIA.
1 Rupee.
180.
916.6
165.
.34
.38.3
90.
916.6
82.5
.17
.19.1
45.
916.6
41.2
.08
.09.5
22.5
916.6
20.6
.04
.04.7
ITALY.
6 Lire.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.96.5
2 “
154.32
835.
128.85
.26
.38.6
1
77.16
835.
64.42
.13
.19.3
60 Cent’simo.
38.58
835.
32.21
.06
.09.6
20
15.43
835.
12.97
.02
.03.8
JAPAN.
1 Yen.
416.
900.
374.4
.78
.86.9
60 Sen.
208.
900.
187.2
.39
.43.4
20 “
83.20
900.
74.9
.15
.17.3
10 “
41.6
900.
37.4
.07
.08.6
6
20.8
900.
18.7
.03
,04.3
MEXICO.
1 Peso.
417.79
902.7
377.14
.78
.87.5
60 Centavo.
208.89
902.7
188.57
.39
.43.7
25 “
104.44
902.7
94.28
.19
.21.8
10
41.78
902.7
37.71
.07
.08.7
6
20.89
902.7
18.85
.03
.04.3
NETHERLANDS,
2k Florin.
385.8
945.
364.5
.76
1.00.5
(HOLLAND.)
1
154.32
945.*
145.8
.30
.40.2
60 Cents.
77.16
945.
72.9
.15
.20.1 •
NORWAY.
2 Crown.
231.48
800.
185.18
.38
.53.6
1
115.74
800.
92.59
.19
.26.8
24 Skillings.
92.59
800.
74.07
.15
.21.4
16 “
77.16
600.
46.3
.09
.13.6
12 “
61.72
600.
37.03
.07
.10.2
3 “
22.37
400.
8.9
.01
.03.4
PERU.
1 Sol.
385.8
900.
317.2
.72
.80.6
6 Pesetas.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.80,6
1
77.16
900.
69.44
.14
.16.1
1 Real.
38.58
900.
34.72
.07
.08.
19.29
900.
17.36
.03
.04.
PORTUGAL.
500 Reis.
192.9
916.6
176.8
.36
.40.
200 “
77.16
916.6
70.7
.14
.16.
100 ''
38.58
916.6
35.3
.07
.08.
50
19.29
916.6
17.6
.03
.04.
RUSSIA.
1 Rouble.
319.92
868.
277.69
.57
.64.5
i “
159.96
868.
138.84
.28
.32.2
79.98
868.
69.42
.14
.16.1
1-5 “
63.98
868.
55.53
.11
.12.9
1-10 ''
31.99
868.
27.76
.05
.06.4
1-20
15,99
868.
13.88
.02
.03.2
SPAIN.
5 Pesetas.
38r>.8
900.
347.2
.72
.96.5
SWEDEN.
2
1.54.32
835.
128.85
.26
.38.6
(See Denmark.)
1 ‘‘
77.16
835.
64.42
.13
.19.3
SWITZERLAND.
50 Centimes.
38.58
835.
32.21
.06
.09.6
(See France )
20
15.43
. 835.
12.97
.02
.03.8
TURKEY.
20 Piasters.
371.21
830.
308.
.64
.88.
10
185.60
830.
154.
.32
.44.
5
92.80
830.
77.
.16
.22.
2 “
37.12
830.
30.8
.06
.08.8
1
18.56
830.
15.4
.03
.04.4
9.28
■ 830.
7.7
.01
.02.2
U. S. COLOMBIA.
1 Peso.
385.8
900.
347.2
.72
.80.6
S3
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PiiE Table OP Official Value of Foreign Curb]
VER Coins and other data 'willsoinetinu'sbe found at
plate-valuations; this discrepanc}'' arises from our fi
for which the Foreipi piece would and should he
trade, Avhile the Table gives, as stated in the heac
the official amount lor which they are to l)e receiv
actions.
AV ith tlie })rice a corn would l)ring as a curie
under Governmental allowance or restriction, we h;
in this connection, our duty ends with giving the m
mation attainable of their worth to the merchant.
The ancient Greek, Homan, Jewish and INIediaiv
and described on the concluding 2)lates and pages
introduced as reminders of the collection in the Cal
and tliey will be found dcei)ly interesting and me
reference or study.
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AUSTRIA, SILVER. No. 1, Double VereinsThaler, ^.19; No. 2, Two Florins, 79>^ cents? No. 3,
1 Vereins Thaler, 59)4 cents; Nos. 4 ^icl 10, Twenty Ivreuzers m., 8 cents; No. 5, Ten Kreuzers m. 3
cents; No. 6, M Elorln, 9 cents ; Nos. / anil 8, One Florin, 39^ cents; No. 9, Five Nreuzers, 1>4 cents.
Hosted by Google
BOLIVIA, SILVER. No. 1, Ono Boliviana, 80K cents : No. 2. Ten Cents, 08 cents; No. 3, Five Cents,
4 cents ; No. 4, Twenty Cencs, 16 cents ; No. 5, Half Bolivana, 40 cents.
LIBERIA, SILVER. No 1, Quarter Dollar ; Nos. 2 and .3,Ten Cents. (Same as United States Coins.)
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Paras, about 20 cents.
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CHINA, GOLD. Numbers 1 and 2, One Tael; Numbers 3, 5, 6 and 7, Half Tael; Number 4,
34 Tael. No value can be placed on tbese coins, the purity of the metal varying 'vvith
each issue.
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CHINA, SILVER. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, oandG, are “ingot” money, and valuation, except
in each piece, is impossible. Number 7, Native Dollar, m. 68 cents; Number 8, Native Dollar*
of private coinage, m. 84 cents; Number 9, Silver Tael, m. ^1.16.
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DENMARK, GOLD. Nos. 1, 3, 8 and 10, Ducats m., $2.20: Nos. 2 and 6,
Christian d’Or m., $3.91 ; Nos. 4, 7 and 11, Double Fredk d’Or m., $7.92 ; Nos.
5 and 13, Fredk d’Or in., $3.95 ; No. 9, Half Christian d’Or, $1.93; No. 12,
Double Christian d’Or m., $7.92.
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^ ^ig® Dollar, m. 81 cts.; No. 2, On^ie-s^ollar
m. 40 cts.; No. 4, Four Skilling m. IX cts.; No. 6, X Rigs Dollar, m. 20 cents; No. 6, Three
^ ^ cents; nS. 8, Specie Rigs Dollar, m. si cents*
No. 9, Pen Oere, 2X cents; No. 10, Twenty-five Oere, 6X cents; No. 11,1-24 Rigs Dollai^ (for
K?ineTs 53XceTt?’ or Crown, 20X cents; No. 13, Two Crowns,^ or
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yiSITOR'S GUIDE TO U. S. MINT.
(JKIiMAN'Y, SILVER. No;
1 to 7, o Alarli.s, ol’ (lill'oroiit Stale:
§1.1!); Nos. sand 11, ou 1‘foniiii
8 cts.; No. !), 1 Mark, cts,
No. JO, 2 IMarks, ‘17 cents.
98
GKRAT BliLTALN, SU.VEK. N«)s. I, 2 anti 3, Crowns, Nos. 4, .5 anrt n, Half Crowns, 60?4
cts.; Nos. 9 an i 12, 1,‘j I'euee, Sets.; Nns. 10 aiul 13, 2 Pence, 4cts.; No. 11, Florin, 43*4 ots.
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GHIOAT BRITAIN, SILVER. Nos. L 3, 4, 7, 16, 18, 19 and 22, Shillings, 24 cts.; JSJos. 2,4, 15, 17,
20 and 21, Six Pence, 12 cts ; Nos. (>, 8 and 14, Four Pence, 8 cts.; N ). 9, One and Two Pence, 2 and 4
cts.; Nos. 10, 13 and 28, Threepence, (Jets.; No. 11, 2 cts.
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GREAT BRITAIN EAvST INDIES, SILVER. No. 1 Paj^ocla, 01 cents; No. 2, Pagoda.
30 cents; Number 8 , Five Fanams, 13 cents; Number 2, Two Fanams.U cents; Numl)er 5, 48
Stivers, 23 cents; Number 6 and 13, Rupees, 34 cents; Number 7, y Rupee, 4 cents; Number
8 , 24 Stivers, 13 cents; Number 9, 2 Annas^ cents; Number 10 and 11, J 4 Rupee, 8 cents; Nos.
12 and 16, y Rupee, 17 cents; Number 14, Rix Dollar, 26 cents; Number 15,96 Stivers, 48 cents.
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GREAT BRITATX, FOR EAST INDIES, SILVER. Half and Quarter .Rupee, respectively,
and 8 cents.
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GREECE, SILVER. Nos, 1 and 6, Five Drachmas 96^ cents ; No. 2, Quarter
Drachma, 5 cents; No. 3, Half Drachma, 10 cents; Ho. 4, One Phoenix m.,
8^ cents; No. 5 and 8, One Drachma, 19J cents ; No. 7, Fifty Lepta, 9^ cents;
No 9, Two Drachmas, 38-J cents.
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104 VISITOR'S GUIDE TO U. S. MINT.
HOLLAND, GOLD. No. 1, 20 Florins m., $8.30 ; No. 2 Rider m., $6.07; Nos.
3, 5 and 12, Ten Florins, $4.01; No. 4, ^ Rider m., $3.01; Nos. G, 7, 8, and 13,
Ducats m., $2.23 ; Nos. 9 and 10, Five Florins in., $1.97.
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4
lOG
VISITOE’S GUIDE TO U. S. MINT.
HOLLAND, PGR EAST INDIES, SILVER. Numbers 1 and9, Guldens, 31 cents; Num¬
bers 2 and 8, Gulden, 7 cents; Number 4, % Gulden, 3 cents; Numbers 5, 6, 7,12,13 and It
Rupees of India Isles, worth from 22 to 85 cents; Numbers .8 and 10, Half Guldens, 15 cenV
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ITALY, HOME, SILVER. Numbers 1, 2, 8 and 9, Scudo, 77 cents; Number
3, Papctto (20 Baiocchi), 15 cents; Numbers 4 and G, Testoim (30 Baiocclii), 23
cents; Numbers, Five Baiocclii, 3 cents; Number 7, 50 Baiocclii, 39 cents.
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VISiTOE’S GUIDE TO U. 8. MINT.
JAPAN, SILYER. No. 1, Trade Dollar m., 78 cents ; No. 3, One Yen, 86|
cents ; No. 3, Fifty Sen, 43^ cents ; No. 4, Ten Sen, 8 ^ cents ; No. 5, Dime m.,
6 ^ cents; No. 6, Five Sen, 4-J cents ; No. 7, Twenty Sen, 17^ cents ; No. 9,
i Ten. 20 cents ; No. 10, ^ Dime in., 3 cents ; No. 11, Half Yen, 43 cents.
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VISITOB’S GUIDE TO THE U. 8. MINT.
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IlfePESOS#:'
MEXICO,
Doubloon 1
Pesos, C-Ol
JO, GOLD. Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, Donbloon m., $15 70 ; No. 5, % Doubloon m., 83,85; No. 6.K
1 in.. : l^o- 7, 1-16 Doubloon m., 94 cents ; No. 8, Doubloon ni, §7.87 ; No. 9, Five
01; No. 10, Ton Pesos, SO.33 ; No. 11, 2y» Pesos,§2.45.
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MEXICO, SILVER. Xurnbers 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8, Peso or Dollar, 87-^ cents;
Number 4, ^ Real, 2 cents; Number 6, Ten Centavos, 8-} cents; Number 7, Half
Dollar, 43-^' cents.
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ms
I
ECUADOR, SILVER. JSumber 1, One Sucre or Peso, 80 cents; Kumber 2,
1-10 Sucre, 8 cents; Number 3, Half Sucre, 40 cents; Number 4, 1-5 Sucre,
16 cents.
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YISITOK’S GUIDE TO U. S. MIKT.
115
NORWAY AND SWEDEN, SILVER. Numbers 1, 2 and 3, Species-Dalers, 83 cents;
Numbers 4, 5 and 6, Half Species Dalers, 41 cents; Numbers 7, 8 and 10, 24 Skilling, 16 cents;
Number 9,12 Skilling, 8 cents.
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO U. S. MINT.
PERSIA, SILVER. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8, are the SahKoraii, worth from IG to 28 cts.; Nos. 6,
10, 11,13, i4aiullG, Rupees, 17 c is.; N os. 7au(15), andRupees, 3Land8cts.; No. 15, Penahat, 12 cts.
PERU, SILVER. Numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4, Peso or Sol, 80J cents; Number 5,
Two Reals, 16 cents; Number 6, 1-5 Sol, 16 cents; Number 7, Four Reals, 32
cents; Number 8, ^ Real, 4 cents.
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VISITOR’S GrUIDE TO U. S. MINT.
PORTUGAL, GOLD. Number 1, Dobra, m; $17.29; Numbers % 13,15 and 18, Half Dobra^
m. $8.64; Number 3, Escudo, m. $2.15; Number 4 and 10, Half Escudo, m. $1.07; Number 6 and
12,16 Testons, m. $2.15; Number 6 and H, ^ Dobra, m. $4.30; Number 7 and 9,8 Testons, m.
$1.07; Numbers and 17, New Crusado, m. 60 cents; Number 16, ^ Moidore, m. $1.54,
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EUSSIA, vSILYEE. No, 1, Eonble (Peter the Great)’, 61 cents ; Ko. 2 , Bonble
of several types, 67 cents ; Ko. 8, SO Copecks, 12 cents ; Ko. 4, Poiiblo ( Micli-
olas I.), 67 cents ; ISTos. 6 and 6, 10 and 15 Copecks, 6 and 8 cents.
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122
YISiTOR’S GUIDE TO U. 8. MINT.
RUSSIA, PLATINA. Twelve Rouble?, m. $9.00; Wo. 2, Six Roubles, in. !^150; No. 3, Three
Roubles, 111 . $2.25. This money was only made iroiii l«2S to 1837.
SPAIN, SILVER. No. 1, 2 and 4 Pieces of 5 Pesetas, 96 }^ cents; No. 3, Piece of 20 Reals, 9f>^ cents.
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VISITOR’S GUIDE TO U. S. MINT
SWITZERLAND, GOLD. No. 1, Triple Pistole, $10.63 ; Nos. 2, 4, 8, 12 and 14, Doulble Pis¬
tole, $9.03; Nos. 3 and 8, Double Ducat, $4.00 ; Nos. 5, 7, 9,11, Pistole, $4.47Nos. 6,15,16,17,
18,19, 20, Ducat, $2.11; No. 10,34 Pistole, $1.07; No. 11,34 Pistole, $2.27, No. 13, Fredericli d’or
$1.65, No. 21, Ducat, 54 cents; No. 22, 34 Ducat, $1.11.
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SWITZERLAND, SILVER. No. Eive Francs, 9f>J cents ; Nos. 2 and 6, One
Franc, 19 cents ; Nos. 3 and 5, Two Francs, 38J cents ; No. 4, Half Franc, 09-J
cents ; Nos. 7 and 8, Ecu, $1.04; No. 9, Two Batzen m. 43.
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riasters, wy c
5, 6^ Piasters, 21 c
2.16.
7 cents; Number
, Quarter Dollar,
ITALY, SILVER. Kos. 1,8 and 11, Scudo, (5 Lire) 96 cts.; No. 2,30Soldi, 28 cts.; Nos. 3and 5
1 Lire, 19 cts., Nos. 4 and 6,10 Soldi, 9 cts,; Nos. 7 and 10,5 Soldi, 4 cts.; Nos.9 and 12,2 Lire, 38 cts.
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ANCIENT GREEK COINS.
ANCIENT GREEK COINS.
The rather numerous plates devoted to Greek coins of past ages are by no
means the least valuable or interesting in this work, comprising as they do,
records and studies in mythology thi'ough the presentation of the gods and heroes
as imagined by their worshipers; in history presenting what must be accepted
as authentic portraits of sovereigns and princes from Alexander to Augustus,
covering a period of from B. C. 700, to the Christian Era, and giving reliable
evidences of political changes and histories of the many autononomous cities and
states of the then civilized world; the metrologist will find much to command
attention in comparison of the various systems and standards; the paleographist
will have examples of the ancient alphabets, Lycian and Cyprian, Phoenician,
Greek, Latin, Iberian, &c., in different stages of development, and the artist or
medallist see before him models of perfection, that for elegance of design and
excellence of finish defy the genius and skill of the present day to equal or even
approach.
The plates present specimen coins of Syria, Egypt, Asia Minor, Phoenicia,
I^orthern and Central Greece, the Peloponnesus and islands of the ^gean, Italy,
Sicily, Western Eiu’ope, the southern shores of the Mediterranean, &c., &c.,
exhibiting the Period of Archaic Art, ending with the Persian wars, B. C. 700-
480; Period of Transitional and Early Fine Art, to the end of the Athenian
supremacy, B. C. 480-400; Period of Finest Art, Age of the Spartan and Theban
supremacies, B. C. 400-336; Period of Later Fine Art, Age of Alexander and
the Diadochi, B. C. 336-280; Period of the Decline of Art, Age of the Epigoni,
&c., B. C. 280-190; Period of continued Decline of Art^ Age of the Attalids,
B. C. 190-100;. and Period of the late Decline of Art, Age of Mithradates the
Great and of Eoman dominion, B. C. 100-1.
The skill of the most eminent artists and engravers has been called into
requisition in the preparation of these beautiful plates from authentic, original
coins, and the results of their efforts, superior though it is, hardly does justice to
the elegant models from which they’copied.
1. A Phocaic stater, electrum metal, of Leshos, Obverse, a lion's head;
Beverse, an incuse square. Probably belonging to tlie period immediately pre¬
ceding the reform of the coinage by Cioesus, B. C. 660.
2. A “Laimpsacene stater,” such as is mentioned in Attic inscriptions,
together with the staters of Cyzicus. This is of electrum; about the end of tlie
fifth century a gold coinage was introduced. The sea horse is a symbol of
Poseidon. About B. C. 478.
3. Early gold coin, an Euboic stater of Sardis, capital of Lydia. Obverse,
foreparts of hon and bull, face to face; Beverse, incuse square. B. C. 568.
4. A double stater of Cyzicus, Lion with fish below, on observe; Beverse,
pimch-mark, about B. C. 470.
5. A gold Daric, or Persian stater, of Darius Ilystaspes, who died B. C. 404.
Obverse, the King kneeling with bow and javelin; Beverse, the punch mark.
6. Colophon, a coin of a dog standing upon a fish. Pliny states that the
people of this city trained their dogs to assist in war, and to do duty as sentinels;
Date about B. C. 500.
7. Double Stater of Phocea, an Ionian city in Asia Minor. A seal on
the Obverse, and mark of punch on the Beverse. Date about B. C. 500.
8. Didrachm of iEgina, an island in the Saronic gulf. Obverse, a land
tortoise; Beverse, the punch-mark divided into compartments. Date B C. 750.
9. Teos, a gold coin of head of the fabulous griffin on Obverse, and punch-
mark of very early date on Beverse. Date B. C. 520.
10. An incuse coin of the city of Sybaris, destroyed B. C. 510. A bull is
shown, looking backwards. The initial letters, read from right to left, the first
letter turned partly over, indicating great antiquity.
131
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ANCIENT GREEK GOINS.
11. Of the Spartan colony of Gyrene in Africa. Obverse, the sacred Silphinm
plant; Eeverse, in punch niark, head of Jupiter Ammon. Date B. C. 450-430.
12. Of Athens, probably in the time of Pericles. Obverse, head of Athena
(Minerva); Eeverse, punch mark with owl and the initials of the city.
13 Early coin of Syracuse in Sicily. Obverse, head of Jupiter, with thun¬
derbolt behind the shoulder..
14. Yeiy early coin of Selinus, a town on the south coast of Sicily. Obverse,
leaf of wild parsley, the sacred symbol of the city.
15. Tetradraciim, of Panormus. Obverse, Head of Demeter, the products
of the field in her hair; Eeverse, a horse galloping past a palm tree. Date,
B. C. 480.
16. Bronze coin of-Panormus. Obverse, Head of Janus, laureated; Eeverse;
Po, enclosed in a wreath of olive leaves. B. 0. 480.
17. Bronze coin of Panormus. Obverse, a helmeted male head, laureated;
name of the city around it; Eeverse, a laureated male head. B. C. 480.
18. Bronze coin of Panormus. Obverse, a fine head of Pallas; Eeverse, a
horse head and the trinacrin, typifying the three-cornered island of Sicily. B. C.
480.
19. Bronze coin of Mamertini. Obverse, Head of Hercules in a lion’s skin;
Eeverse, an eagle standing on a support and having a serpent trodden under his
left claw. Date, about B. C. 400. ^ '
20. Tetradrachm, of Panormus, a city in Sicily. Obverse, Head of Her¬
cules with lion’s skin; Eeverse, a horse head between a head of wheat and a
palm branch. Date, B. C. 480.
21. Bronze coin of Panormus. Obverse, a male head; Eeverse, three spears
of wheat, indicating tlie fertility of the country. B. C. 480.
22. Tetradrachm, of Zancle, now Messina, of Sicily. Obverse, a dolphin
curved; Eeverse, fancifully subdivided by two series of parallel lines, at right
angles to each other. In the central space is a shell. Date, about B. C. 400,
23. Tetradrachm, of Messana. Obverse, a hare, courant; Eeverse; a car
drawn by mules, with' victory, holding crown, flying above. These peculiar
types were first adopted on coins by Anaxilaus, who won a victory at Olympia
with the mule car, and who introduced hares into Sicily. About B. C. 400.
24. A bronze coin of Mamertini. Obverse, a male head, laureated; Eeverse,
a bull, with lowered head, advancing towards the observer’s left. Date, about
B. C. 400.
25. Tetradrachm, of Messenia, a south-westerly district of Peloponnesus.
Obverse, a lion’s scalp; Eeverse, head of a calf, looking toward the observer’s
left. B. C. 450.
26. Tetradrachm, of Catana, a city of Sicily. Obverse, a male head,
laureated, full-face fronting, Eeverse, a quadriga passing a column, a victory
flying above, a serpent beneath. B. C. 400.
27. Tetradrachm, of Catana. Obvei’se, fine head of Apollo, laureated,
etc,; Eeverse, a quadriga, with a victory above and a crab beneath. B. C.
400.
28. An electrum coin of the city of Syracuse, the most important in Sicily.
Obverse, an elegant head of Artemis; Eeverse, a fine head of Apollo. B. C.
500.
29. Tetradrachm, of Syracuse. Obverse, head of Arethusse, surrounded
by dolphins; Eeverse, a quadriga, with victory above, holding a legend; below
are two dolpliins. B. C. 500.
30. Bronze coin of Syracuse. Obverse, a fine head of Apollo; Eeverse, abiga
driven towards the observer’s right; the Greek letter Psi in the exergue. B. C.
500.
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ANCIENT GREEK COINS,
31. Tetrabraohm, of Syracuse. Obverse, head of Pallas, helmeted, and
beliind a bunch or grapes over a wine cup; Beverse, a pegasus gal 1 oT)in 2 :.
32. Tetrabraohm, of Syracuse. Obverse, head of Pallas, helmeted, bull’s
liead between the head and border; Beverse, a pegasus in motion. 13. C. 500.
33. Tetrabraohm, of Syracuse. Obverse, a fine male head; Beverse, the
fore-part of a pegasus galloping towards the observer’s left. B. C. 500.
34. Tetrabraohm, of Syracuse. Obverse, a helmeted head; Beverse, a
winged female standing, the right hand eievated, the left holding an animal bv
the head. B. 0. 500.
35. Tetrabraohm, of Agrigentum, one of the most powerful and celebra¬
ted of the Greek cities in Sicily. Obverse, an eagle; Beverse, a crab, and hel¬
meted head beneath it. B. C. 500.
3G. Bronze coin of Agrigentum. Obverse, an eagle devouring a hare; Be¬
verse, a crab with animalcule above and sea-plant beneath. Three globules
around the border and one on the crab. B. C. 500.
37. Bronze coin of Syracuse. Obverse, a laureated and bearded head of Zeus;
Beverse, Iliero I, driving a quadriga, and holding a branch in his left hand.
B. C. 470.
38. Bronze coin of Syracuse. Obverse, Head of Gelon, the hair confined with
a fillet; Beverse, a lion walking towards the observer’s right; club of Hercules;
lamp beneath. B. C. 480.
39. Bronze coin of Agrigentum. Obverse, a bearded and laureated head;
Beverse, an eagle standing with extended wings, a cornucopia in front and star
over the left wing. B. C. 500.
40. Bronze coin of Agrigentum. Obverse, a bearded head; Beverse, a ser¬
pent coiled round a staff, dividing the legend. B. C. 500.
41. Dibrachm, of Cephaloedium, a town in Sicily. Obverse, Head of Ceres;
Beverse, a shepherd with thyrsus in his left hand, standing with left foot resting
on a hound and his right leg touching a second dog. About, B. C. 400.
42. Bronze coin of Syracuse. Obverse, bearded and laureated head of Posi-
don; Beverse, an ornamented trident, with dolphin on either side. B. C. 480.
43. Bronze coin of Emporiae, a city of Hispania. Obverse, a head with
D. D. stamped on the helmet; Beverse, a pegasus, stamped D. D., running.
About B. C. 400.
44. Bronze coin of Himera, a city of Sicily. Obverse, Head of Pallas;
Beverse, female standing with lyre in left hand and wreath in right. About.
B. C. 400.
45. A silver coin of Leontini, a city in Sicily. Obverse, head of a lion, with
open mouth, surrounded by four grains of wheat; Beverse, a biga, with Nice
crowning the horses.
46. Bronze coin of Leontini. Obverse, a female head, elegantly ornamented:
with a head dress; Beverse, a lion walking past a palm tree. About B. C..
450,
47. Bronze coin of Enna, a city in the centre of Sicily. Obverse, a pair of
serpents harnessed to a plow; Beverse, a man standing and holding a long staff
in his left hand, B. C. 450.
48. Bronze coin of Tauromenium. Obverse, a young head of Apollo; Be¬
verse, a bull butting. Tauromenium was a city on the east coast of Sicily.
About 300 B. C.
49. Bronze coin of Mendenum. Obverse, a head of Apollo, laureated. Be¬
verse, Aesculopius standing upon a serpent and holding something in his right
hand. B. C. 300.
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ANCIENT GREEK COINS.
to. Bronze coin of Gela, an important town in Sicily. Obverse, a female
crowning a minotaur; Reverse, Riga and Nice with wreath. About B. C.
500.
51. Bronze coin of Argyrina, a city of Sicily. Obverse, an eagle standing by
a branch of fruit; Reverse, a cross patonce, having in each of the angles two
letters of the city. B. C. 300.
52. Bronze coin of Oenidae, a town in Acarnania. Obverse, head of Zeus;
Reverse, liead of the minotour; this fabled monster tyi3ifying the river Achelous
upon the bank of which the town was built. B. 0. 400.
53. A silver coin of Segesta, a city of Sicily. Obverse, a female head, the
hair confined with a fillet or band; Reverse, a dog scenting the ground. B. C.
450.
54. Bronze coin of Menaenum, an inland city of Sicily. Obverse, a laureated,
juvenile head; two fishes in front thereof; Reverse, Ares advancing, with
spear in right hand, shield and cloak in the 3ift. B. C. 300.
55. Tetradrachm, of Segesta. Obverse, a male head; Reverse, a dog-
walking past three heads of wheat which stand side by side. B. C, 450.
50. Bronze coin of Halaesae. Obverse, a laureated head of Apollo; Reverse,
a man standing, in his right hand an ornament; behind him is a lyre and in front
a musical instrument—all emblems of Apollo. B. C. 300.
57. Tetradrachm, of Naxos, an ancient city of Sicily. Obverse, laureated,
juvenile head, laurel leaf behind it; Reverse, Silenus seated, with cup in his left
hand, a thyrsus in the right hand, behind, an ivy branch, and in front a statue
of Priapus. B. C. 450.
58. Tetradrachm, of Naxos. Obverse, bearded head of Dionysus, fillet
with ivy leaves; Reverse, Silenus seated, with wine cup, thyrsus and ivy, similar
to No. 66. B. C. 450.
59. Bronze coin of Mergantia, a city in Sicily. Obverse, a fine head of Pal¬
las, helmeted and ornamented; Reverse, a lion standing, with a serpent below.
B. C. 450.
60. Tetradrachm, of Naxos. Obverse, bearded old head, surmounted by
two horns; Reverse, a bunch of grapes hanging between twD leaves. B. C.
450.
61. Tetradrachm, of Selinus, an important Greex colony in Sicily. Ob¬
verse, a parsley leaf in a sunken square, the letters S. E. L. I. hi the angles;
Reverse, a parsley leaf inverted. B. C. 550.
62. Bronze coin of Tyndaris, a city on the north coast of Sicily. Obverse,
Head of Demeter; Reverse, Castor and Pollux on horseback, galloping. B. C.
400.
63. Silver coin of Abacsenum, a city in Sicily. Obverse, a bearded head. Re¬
verse, the Erymanthian boar, with erect bristles. B. C. 550.
64. Tetradrachm, of Selinus. Obverse, a nude male standing, holding an
offering in the right hand and a thyrsus in the left, a parsley leaf behind, a cock
in a cage, and a bull behind; Reverse, two persons in a biga, one with bow and
arrow, the other driving. B. C. 550.
65. Silver coin of Camarina. Obverse, a female head, much decorated and .
with a fish on either side; Reverse Leda seated on a swTin, a fish below, etc.
B. C. 500.
66. Tetradrachm, of Camarina, a Greek city in Sicily. Obverse, head of
Hercules in a lion’s skin; Reverse, Ares driving a quadriga, Nice flying above,
a sw^an flying below. B. C. 500.
67. Bronze coin of Centoripa. Obverse, bearded and laureated head of Zeus;
Reverse, a thunderbolt dividmg the legend. B. C. 500.
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ANCIENT GREEK COINS.
68. Bronze.coin of Cossnra, a small island in the Mediterranean, half way
between Sicily and Africa. Obverse, a female head, crowned, Eros decorating
the front; Keverse, Phoenician legend enclosed with a laurel wreath. B. C. 500.
69. Bronze coin of Aetna, a city in Sicily at the foot of the mountain of same
name. Obverse, head of Phoebus Apollo, with radiated crown; Keverse, Ares
standing, with spear and shield. B. C. 500.
70. Bronze coin of loeta, a town in the interior of Sicily. Obverse, head of
Zeus; Keverse, a soldier, standing, right hand extended, left holding a club.
B. C. 450.
71. Bronze coin of Melifca, an island in the Mediterranean Sea. Obverse,
head of Ceres; Keverse, an ornamented tripod dividing the legend. B. C. 400.
72. Tetradrachm, of Gelon, tyrant of Syracuse. Obverse, head of the
tyrant, hair confined with a fillet; Keverse, a biga driven by Nice. B. C. 480.
73. Bronze coin of Liparia, a town in the island of the same name. Obverse,
Haphcestus seated on tripod, holding in his extended left hand a cautharus, in
the right a malleus; Keverse, six globules surrounded by the legend. B. C. 550.
74. Gold coin of Pyrrhus. Obverse, head of Pallas, the letter A. below;
Keverse, Nice laying a wreath on an altar. B. C. 280.
75. Bronze coin of Calacte, a city on the north coast of Sicily. Obverse, head
of Apollo; Keverse, his lyre dividing the legend. B..C. 4C0.
76. Gold Stater of Pyrrhus, King of Epeirus. Observe, head of Artemis;
Reverse, Nice marching, a thunderbolt in the field. B. C. 280.
77. Silver coin of Agathocles, King of Syracuse. Obverse, fine head of Per¬
sephone, wreathed; Keverse, Nice crowning a trophy, a triquetra in the field,
B. C. 300.
78. Tetradrachm of Hieron II, King of Syracuse. Obverse, fine head of
Gelon, filleted; Keverse, Nice drivhig a quadriga. B. C, 220.
79. Tetradrachm of Hieron II. Obverse, a fine head of Pallas, helmeted;
Keverse, a pegasus. B. C. 220.
80. Tetradrachm of Philistis, supposed queen of Hieron, Obverse, a
beautiful female head of Philistis veiled; Keverse, Nice driving a quadriga.
Legend ‘‘Queen Philistia.” Date, B. O. 220.
■ 81. Bronze coin of Panormus. Obverse, a female head, thorhair confined by
a band; Keverse, head of a horse, the letter A in the field, fronting the neck of
the horse. B. C. 500.
82. Bronze coin of Panormus, an important city in Sicily. Obverse, an old
male head, bearded and laureated; Keverse, a horse running, three globules in
the field. B. C. 500.
83. Bronze coin of PyiThus, Obverse, a handsome female head, veiled, a tri¬
dent behind. Keverse, a thunderbolt dividing the legend. B. C. 280.
84. Bronze coin of Panormus. Obverse, a turreted head of Khea; Keverse, a
horse’s head in front of a palm tree. B. C. 500,
85. Silver coin of Syracuse. Obverse, head of Arethusa3, surrounded by dol¬
phins; Keverse, a man driving a quadriga, Nice crowning the horses. B. C.
500.
86. Bronze coin of Syracuse. Obverse, head of Persephone; Keverse, man
driving a biga, the letter sigma below, a sun above. B. C. 500.
87. Brogze coin of the city of Catana, in Sicily. Obverse, two bearded head,
jugata; Keverse, a nude man standing, dividing the legend. B. C. 480.
88. Bronze coin of Gela. Obverse, a head with the hair erect, a grain of
wheat near the border. Indications of the fertility of the region; Kevei'se a
bull. In the exergue, three globules. B. 0. 550.
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ANCIENT GREEK COINS.
89. Bronze coin of Agrigentnm. Obverse, an eagle with expanded wings,,
devociring a hare; Keverse, a crab, with two globules above, and a marine horse-
below. B. C. 550.
90. Bronze coin of Messana, a city in Sicily. Obverse, a hare, running; Be-
verse, an octopus. B. C. 500.
91. Bronze coin of Solus, a city in Sicily. Obverse, head of Hercules in lion’s;
skin; Beverse, a squill with three globules on and three globules under it. Punic
inscription below. B. C. 500.
92. Bronze coin of Hybla, a city in Sicily. Obverse, a head, with bust draped,
a bee behind it; Beverse, Dionysus standing, with thyrsus and canthorus, a pan¬
ther erect before him. 13. C. 500.
93. Bronze coin of Megara, a city in Sicily. Obverse, head of Apollo, laure-
ated; Beverse, the tiipod of Apollo, dividing the legend. B. C. 500.
94. Bronze coin of Paropi, a city of Sicily. Obverse, fine head of Persephone;
Beverse, a wreath of leaves and flowers. B. C. 500.
95. Bronze coin of Gaulos, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, the present
Gozzo. Obverse, a helmeted head in a crescent, two globules behind it; Beverse,
a soldier standing with sword and buckler, a sun in front. B. C. 500.
96. Bronze coin of Caena, a town in Sicily. Obverse, head of Pallas, two'
globules above; Beverse, Nice running with a crown in her right and a trophy in
her left hand. B. C. 500.
97. Dideachm of Terina, a city of Bruttium. Obverse, a fine female head,
the neck ornamented with a string of pearls; Beverse, Nice seated, holding on
the back of her right hand a bird with extended wings. B. C. 500.
98. Tetradrachm of Oluntium, a city in Crete. Obverse, head of Diana;,
Beverse, Zeus seated with basta and holding an eagle in his hand. B, C. 500.
99. Bronze coin of Cyzicus, a city on the'’ Propontis in Mysia, Obverse, a
female head, the hair bound by a stalk of wheat, and three wheat ears around it;.
Beverse, a caduceses surrounded by a wreath. B. C. 500.
100. Silver coin of Heraclea, a city in Lucania, Obverse, head of Pallas in
armor; Beverse,Hlercules strangling a lion, his bow and club in the field. B. C.
500.
101. Bronze coin of Eleuthema, a town of great importance in Crete. Ob¬
verse, head of Apollo, laureated; Beverse, Apoilo seated on a lyre, holding in his
right hand a globe. B. C. 500.
102. Tetradrachm of Alexander The Great. Obverse, head of Hercules,
with lion’s skin over it; Beverse, Zeus seated with hasta and an eagle standings
in his right hand. B. C. 320.
103. Gold Stater of Alexander III, The Great; who died B. C. 323. Ob¬
verse, head of Pallas; Beverse, Nice holding a trident and a crown for the
victor; in the field a caduceus.
104. Gold Stater of Philip II, King of Macedonia., who died B. C.
Obverse, head of Apollo; Beverse, the king driving a biga.
105. Gold Stater of Lysimochus, King of Thrace, who died B. C. 281.
Obverse, head of the king in the character 6f the Ammoiiian Jupiter; Beverse,
Pallas holding Nice in her outstretched hand.
106. Tetradrachm of Lysimachas. This coin bears emblems and inscrip¬
tions similar to those on the gold stater No. ,118.
107. GoLd Stater of Selencus, King of Syria, who died B. C, 280. Obverse,
head of the king in the character of Apollo; Beverse, Apollo standing with a bow
in his left hand and an arrow in the right.
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108. Gold Stater of Ptolemy, Soter, Xing of Egypt, who died B. C. 283.
Obverse, head of king; Keverse; Jupiter driving a quadriga of elephants.
109. Tetradraciim of Ptolemy, Soter. Obverse, head of the king; Eeverse,
an eagle standing on a f ulinen, or thunderbolt, B. C. 285.
110. Tetradrachm of Macedonia. Obverse, head of Artemis surrounded
by Macedonian shields; Keverse, club of Hercules dividing the legend, both
encircled by a wreath. About B. C. 400.
111. Bronze coin of Seleucus lY, King of Syria, who died B. C. 175. Obverse,
head of the king, the hair confined with a fillet; Keverse, prow and fore part of
a ship, dividmg the legend.
112. Bronze coin of Tigranes, King of Armenia, who died B. C, 69. Obverse,
head of the king wearing a tiara; Keverse, a female seated, holding a cornucopise
in one hand and a wreath in tliq other.
113. Tetradrachm of Mithridates YI, King of Pontus, who died B. C.
63. Obverse, head of the king; Eeverse, a pegasus dividing the legend, and
surrounded with a wreath.
114. Tetradrachm of Antiochus I, who died B. C. 216. Obverse, his head;
Keverse, Apollo seated on a Cortina, holding in one hand a bow and in the other
an arrow.
115. Tetradrachm of Antiochus lY, King of S 5 U'ia, who died B. C. 164.
Obverse, portrait of the king; Keverse, an eagle standing on a fulmen, dividing
the legend.
116. Tetradrachm of Seleucus YI, surnamed Epiphanes, who died B. C.
94. Obverse, his portrait; Keverse, Pallas with spear in one hand and Nice in
the other.
117. Tetradrachm of Alexander I (Balas), B. C. 152-144, struck at Tyre;
date, year 163 of Seleucid Era, B. C. 149. Obverse, portrait; Keverse, Eagle
with club of Hercules in front.
118. Bronze coin of Ptolemy II, surnamed Euergetes, King of Egypt, who
died B. C. 222. Obvense, head of Jupiter Ammon; Keverse, an eagle on a ful¬
men—the Ptolemaic emblem.
119. Tetradrachm of Philetserus, founder of the Kingdom of Pergamus,
who died B. C. 263. Obverse, head of the king; KeA^erse, Pallas seated, offering
a wreath, in the field a sword.
120. Tetradrachm of Ptolemy Y, surnamed Epiphanes, King of Egypt,
who died B. C. 181. Obverse, head of the king; Keverse, Eagle on fulmen.
121. Tetradrachm of Ptolemy YII, Euergetes II, known as Physcon, who
died B. C. 117. Obverse, head of the Iring; Keverse, Eagle on fulmen.
122. Bronze coin of Berenice, wife of one of the Ptolemys of Egypt. Ob¬
verse, head of the queen, with covering extending over the bust; Keverse, a
cornucopise surrounded by the legend.
123. Tetradrachm of Nicomedes HI, Philopator, King of Bithynia, died
B. C. 74. Obverse, head of the king:; Keverse, Zeus discharging a thunderbolt
from liis left hand and holding basta in his right.
124. Gold Stater of Pharnaces, King of Pontus, who died about B. C. 170.
Obverse, liead of the king; Keverse, Apollo seated, a lyre behind and a tripod in
front of him.
125. Gold Stater of Cyrene, a city of great importance in northern Africa.
Obverse, Nice driving a quadriga; Keverse,Zeus standing with hasta and holding
a patera over an <altar. B. C. 500.
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2 H J-urd
HISTOElCAl COM ATLAS OF THE SOMAH EMPIBE.
Pieces of all Emperors, Empresses, Tyrants and Kings,
Krom Julius Cjesar B. C. 70, to the Extinction of the Western
Empire, A. D. 476.
I. Caesar, Caius Julius, %orn B.'C. 100. Made Perpetual Dictator
B. C. 44. Murdered by Pompey and Senators, March 15th of same year.
One of the most noted characters in history, distinguished by extraordinary
genius and attainments in the most diversified pursuits.
2. Augustus, Caius Octavius Caepeas, first Emperor of the
Koman Empire. Born B. C. 63. Declared Emperor B. C. 29. Died A. D.
14. Coins represent him with Julius Caesar, Lepidus, Agrippa, Tiberius,
Julia, Caius and Julius and Germanicus. A wise and moderate ruler.
3. Tiberius, Claudius Nero Caesar, bom B. C. 42. Son-in-law of
Augustus Caesar A. D. 4. Emperor A. D. 14. Smothered by order of Cal¬
igula A. D. 37. His reign exhibits every variety of detestable actions.
4. Drusus, Nero Claudius, afterwards Germanicus, born B. C.
15. Caesar A. D. 4. Poisoned A. D. 19. A noble prince, a grand general,
a good and brilliant man.
5. Antonia, born B. C. 38. Wife of Drusus Senior. Poisoned by her
grandson Caligula A. D. 37. Beautiful, virtuous and unfortunate. High
honors were paid to her memory.
6. Drusus Caesar, or Junior, son of Tiberius. Bom B. C. 13. Poi¬
soned by his wife A. D. 32. Consul A. D. 15 and 21. Tribunica Potentas
A. D. 22. Naturally noble but degraded by gross passions,
7. Germanicus Caesar, son of Nero Claudius Drusus. Born B. C. 15.
Csesar A. D. 4. Poisoned A. D, 19. A great soldier, a chaste, temperate
and much beloved man and Consul.
8. Agrippina, wife of Germanicus Caesar. Born B. C. 15. Starved
to death in banishment by Tiberius A. D. 33. A noble woman.
• 9. Caius, or Caligula, son of Germanicus and Agrippina. Born
A. D. 12. Emperor A. D. 37. Killed A. D. 41. A beast in human form.
10. Claudius I, Drusus Nero Germanicus, born B. C. 10. Em¬
peror A. D. 41. Poisoned A. D. 54. Industrious and diligent, but a failure
through want of judgment and tact.
II. Nero, originally L. Domitius Ahenobarbus Born A. D. 37.
Younger son of Cnseus Domitius Anenobarbus and Agrippina. His mother
afterwards married her uncle. Emperor Claudius, who adopted Nero and
changed his name to Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus. Emperor A. D.
54. Killed himself A. D. 68. A monster, probably the vilest character in
history.
12. Galba Ser. Sulpicus, bom B, C, 3. Emperor A. D. 68. Killed
by his soldiers A. D. 69. A man of excellent qualities, but over severe and
, avaricious.
149
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13. Otho. M. Salvius, bom A. D. 82. Emperor A. D. 69. Being
conquered by Vitellius, he killed himself the same year. A companion of
Nero, he imitated all the vices of that tyrant.
14. Vitellius- Aulus, bom A. D. 15. Emperor A D. 69. Killed by
Vespasianus’ soldiers the same year. He had a' little learning, but great
talent for eating, drinking, debts and debaucheries.
15. Vespasiaaus. T. Flavius Sabinus, bore A. D. 9. Emperor 69.
Died 79. By birth of mean condition, he rose by merit as a soldier and
statesman. He was frugal, temperate and amiable, but too avaricous.
16. Domitilla, Plavia, the first wife of Vespasianus. She died before
her husband became Emperor, and the coins bearing her portrait were
struck after her death.
17. Titus, Flavius Sabinius Vespasianus, born A. D. 40, son of
Emperor Vespasianus and Domitilla Flavia. Emperor A. D. 79. Died
A. D. 81. A brave general, a man of learning and a ruler of peculiar
excellence.
18» Julia, daughter of Titus. Little record and that not good.
19. Domitianus T. Flavius Domitianus Augustus, born A. D.
52. Emperor A. D. 81. Assassinated A. D. 96. One of the most cruel
tyrants that ever disgraced a throne
20. Domitia Longina, the wife of Domitianus, whose record as a
woman equals her worthless husband’s, whose assassins she urged on to their
murderous work.
21. Nerva M. Cocceius, bom A. D. 32. Emperor A. D. 96. Died
A. D. 98. A noble character of strong will and great administrative power.
He received the honor of deification.
22. Trajanus M. Ulpius, born A. D. 52. Caesar and Emperor with
Nerva A. D. 97. Sole Emperor A. D. 98. Died A. D, 117. One of the
most distinguished of Roman rulers.
23. Plotina, Pompeia, died A. D. 129. Wife of Trajan. A woman
justly honored for her extraordinary merits and high character.
24. Marciana, died A. L. 115. Sister of Trajan. Remarkable for her
virtues and talents. After her death she was enrolled among the gods.
25. Matidia, daughter of Marciana. Honored in her life>time, deified
after her death, which occurred in the reign of Antonius.
26. Hadrianus, P. Aelius, bom A. D. 76. Adopted by Trajan and
his son-in-law. Trajan adopted him A. D. 117 and he was declared Empe¬
ror the same year. Died A. D. 138. A good ruler and successful soldier
whose virtues overbalanced many defects in his character.
27. Sabina, wife of Hadrian, honored in life and death, but unhappy
in her matrimonial relations. She committed suicide about A. D. 137.
28. ^lius, adopted by Hadrian about A. D. 136, with the name of
Caesar, Died A. D. 138.
29. Antonius, Pius, in early life Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius
Arrius Antonius. Bom A. D. 86. Adopted by Hadrian and declared Em¬
peror, A. D. 138. Died A. D. 161. A most exalted and wise character in
private and public life.
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30. Faustina, Senior, Annia Galeria. Born A. D. 105. Died
A. D. 141. She was in every way unworthy of her great husband, but not¬
withstanding the utter profligacy of her life, he loaded her with honors
before and after her death,
31. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Born A. D. 121. Adopted by
and son-in-law of Antonins Pius, Emperor A. D. 161. Died A. D. 180. A
wise, learned and just man. Commonly distinguished as the Philosopher.”
32. Faustina, Junior, Annia, daughter of Faustina, Senior,-tod
as thoroughly abandoned to ill deeds as washer mother. She was married
A. D. 145 or 146 to Marcus Aurelius, who either through good nature or
blindness, ignored her vile acts, cherished her living and honored her after
death in 175.
33. Verus, Lucius Aurelius, Born A. D. 130. Son of ^lius Csesar,
son-in-law of Marcus Aurelius and associated with him in the empire A. D.
161—169. His original name was L. Ceionius Commodus. Died by poison,
A. D. 169. During his life he shared the honors worthily of Marcus Au¬
relius.
34. Commodus, L. Aurelius. Bom A. D. 161, son of Marcus Aure¬
lius and Faustina, Jr. Named Caesar A. D. 166. Associated in empim A. D.
176. Named Augustus 177, sole emperor 180. Died from strangulation and
poison 19^ A miserable man and ruler, cruel, corrupt and dissolute.
35. Crispina, wife of Commodus, unfaithful, divorced, banished to
Capreae and put to death.
36. Pertinax, Helvius. Bom A. D. 126, Emperor A. D. 193.^ Assas¬
sinated after a reign of 87 days in consequence of his firmness in insisting
upon reforms in the army and State.
37. Julianus, M Didius Salvius, afterwards M. Didius Commo¬
dus Severus Julianus. Born A. D. 133. Declared Emperor A. D. 198. Assas-
inated after reigning 66 days, A good soldier, but unscrupulous and am¬
bitious. He bought the supreme power by promises of money to the
soldiers.
38. Clara, Didia, daughter of Julianus. Bom A. D. 153; only known
through her efiigy, or rare occasional coins.
39. Niger, c. Pescennius. Declared Emperor by the army in Syria,
A. D. 193. A good soldier, no statesman, he could not secure the power;
was put to death as a rebel A, D. 194.
40. Severus, L. Septimus. Bom A. D. 146, Emperor 193. Master
of the whole Empire 197 ; died 211. An admirable general and reformer,
but cold and ungenerous.
41. Domna, Julia, wife of Septimus Severus. A woman of powerful
intellect and vast ambition. Starved herself to death A. D. 21/, upon loss
of power.
42. Albinus, Clodius, or Decimus Clodius Ceionius Septimus. Born
in Africa; named Caesar by Septimus Severus A. D. 193, rebelled and took
title of Emperor of Britain and Gaul 196; defeated and killed by Septimus
Severus 197. A great general and man of some learning.
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i3. Caracalla or Caracallus, also Bassianus, and when adopted by ^
Severus, called M, Aurelius Antoninus which last name he retained ever
after. Born A., D. 188. Named.Caesar 196; Augustus 198; Emperor with
his brother Geta 211; sole Emperor 212. Assassinated 217. A bold, bad
man whose life is stained with all crimes.
44. Plautilla, Pul via. Married to Caracalla A. D. 202; soon banished,
left destitute and finally murdered by order of her husband.
45. Geta, L or p. Septimus. BornA. D. 189. Brother of Caracalla.
Named Caesar 198; Augustus 209. Emperor with Caracalla 211 and assas¬
sinated by him, while in the arms of his mother, A. L. 212. A far better
character than his murderer though with many vices,
46. Macrinus M. Opelius (or Opilius) Macrinus. Born A. D.
164. Proclaimed Emperor 218. Killed 219. A haughty, blood-thirsty,
inhumanly cruel coward. He was the instigator of the murder of Caracalla.
47. Diadumenianus or Diadumenus M. Opelius, son of Mac¬
rinus. Born A. D, 208. Named Csesar and Augustus 217. Killed 218.
Celebrated for his remarkable beauty.
48. Plagabalus, originally called Varius Avitus Bassianus, and after¬
wards Marcus Aurelius Antonius. Born A. D. 205; declared Em¬
peror 218. Killed 222. A glutton and all that was bestial, his name has
passed into a proverb.
49. Paula, Julia Cornelia. Married to Elagabalus A. D. 219, di¬
vorced the next year. Died in private life.
50. Maesa^ Julia, grandmother of Elagabalus and Alexander Severus.
One of the most able and strong minded women of history; ambitious and
unscrupulous but wise and polite.
51. Julia Soaemias, mother of Elagabalus. Killed A. D. 222. She
was the first woman who took a place in the Roman Senate. Her life was
not pure and her body was subjected to every indignity after death.
52. Mamaoa, Julia, mother of Alexander Severus. A woman of
strong character, devoted to her son. Her advice caused the revolt in the
army, A. D. 235, in which both mother and son were killed.
53. Severus, M. Aurelius Alexander, usually called Alexander
Severus. Born A. D. 205. Killed 235. A brave soldier, a pure, just man,
but too much under control of his mother.
54. Orbiana, Sallustia Barbia, one of the three wives of Alex¬
ander Severus. Known only through effigies on coins.
55. Maximinus I., C. Julius, Verus. Born A. D. 173, of low
parentage. Of immense strength and gigantic stature, (over 8 feet). He
became conspicuous in the army and rose to be Emperor A. D. 235. He
was assassinated with his son, 238. A brute in every respect.
56. Maximus Caesar, C. Julius Verus, son of Maximinus, shared
in a lesser degree, the honors gained by his father, and was murdered with
him A. D. 238. A promising young man.
57. Gordianus I, M Antraius, surnamed Africanus. Bom
A. D. 158. Proclaimed Emperor in Africa 238, and was acknowledged by
the Senate, but unable to quell a revolt, he killed himself after a reign of
about forty days.
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58. Gordianus Africanus II, eldest son of G. A. I. Born A. D. 192.
Associated with his father in the purple and perished in battle against the
rebels on the same day. Both father and son bear noble characters in
history,
59. Pupienus Maximus, Marcus Clodius. Born A. D. 164.
Made Emperor with Balbinus 288. Killed three months after.
60. Balbinus, Decimus Ca^lius. Born A. D. 178. Associate Em¬
peror with Pupienus. 238. An excellent combination of an able general and
sagacious statesman. He and his brother ruler perished by assassination
three months alter their elevation to supreme power.
61. Gordianus III, M. Antonius, grandson of G.‘A. I. Born A. D.
222. Proclaimed Augustus 238, Assassinated 244. An amiable young
man, deservedly well beloved.
62. Tranquillina, Sabnia, or Sabnia, Furia, wife of Gordianus III
and daughter of Misitheus. No record.
63. Philippus I., M. Julius. Born A. D. 204. Emperor 214. Killed
249. A successful warrior and ruler. By some authors, claimed to have
been a Christian.
64. Otacilia Severa, Marcia, wife of Philippus I. Believed by
many ancient writers to have been a Christian.
65. Philippus II., M. Julius. Born A. D. 237. Csesar 244. Asso¬
ciated with his father as Augustus, 247, and killed with him when but
twelve years of age.
67. Decius, C. Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius. Born A. D.
201. Emperor 249 ; drowned in a bog, 251. He accepted the purple from
the army under threats of death if he refused.
67. Etruscillaj Herennia, wife of Decius. Known only from her
coins.
68. Etruscus, Herennius, son of Decius. Named Cassar A, D. 249.
Augustus 251, Killed in battle the same year.
69. Hostilianus, son, son-in-law or nephew of Decius [authorities dif¬
fer.] Associated in the purple with Trebonianus Gallus, A. D. 251. Reported
to have died the same year and also to have reigned two years.
70. Gallus, Trebonianus, C. Vibius. Joint ruler with Plostilianus.
Killed with his son, by his soldiers, A. D. 253.
71. Volusianus, son of Gallus. Named Ctesar A. D. 251. Augustus
25k Killed with his father.
72. Aemilianus, Aemilius. Born A. D. 208. Proclaimed Emperor
in Msesia, 253. Killed by his soldiers 254.
73. ValerianuS; P. Licinius. Born A. D. 190. Emperor 253. A
great soldier, called upon to rule on account of his high merit. He was
captured by the Persians 260, and died in captivity from cruel treatment,
263. After death his skin was stuffed and preserved as a trophy by his
enemies.
74. Mariniana; wife, sister or daughter of Valerianus. Known
only by her coins.
75. Gallienus, P. Licinius Valerianus Egnatius; son of
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Yalerianus by his first wife. Emperor with his father A. D. 253. Assassi¬
nated 268. A contemptible character. It was during this reign that the
many generals declared themselves Emperors, and these are designated as
The Thirty Tyrants,
76. Salonia, Cornelia, Augusta, wife of Gallienus, mother of Sa-
loninus.
77. Valerianus, Junior, half brother of Gallienus, and a happy
opposite in character. Assassinated A. D. 268.
78. Saloninus, P. Licinius Cornelius, son of Gallienus. Born
A. D. 242. Csesar 253. Put to death 259.
79. Pc stum US, M. Cassianus Latinius. One of The Thirty
Tyrants. Rebelled against Gallienus, and proclaimed himself Emperor
in Gaul A. D. 258. He was a strict but just ruler while he reigned.
Killed 267.
80. VictorinuS, M. Prawonius. One of the Thirty Tyrants, was
associated with Postumus in the purple. A superior general and statesman,
but a slave to his passions. Assassinated A. 1). 267.
81. Marius, M. Aurelius. Emperor in Gaul, A. D. 267. The fourth
of the Thirty Tyrants who ruled Gaul. Plis reign lasting for forty-eight
hours, when he was assassinated. His coins must have been minted before
he assumed power.
82. Tetricus, c. Pesuvius. The last of the Thirty Tyrants who
governed in Gaul, where he was proclaimed Emperor, A. D. 267. He
restored the provinces to Aurelian in 273, by betraying his army in battle
to that ruler, and soon after retiring to private life he died at a very
advanced age.
83. Tetricus, C. Pesuvius Pivesus. Proclaimed Caesar while a
child; son and successor of C. Pesuvius Tetricus, one of the Thirty Tyrants,
who ruled from A. D. 267, until conquered by Aurelian, about A. D. 274.
84. Macrianus, Senior. One of the Thirty Tyrants. A brave sol¬
dier, defeated and killed in battle by Aureolus, A. D. 262.
85. Macrianus, Junior, son of the preceding. Flourished during
the latter years of his father, shared his power and met with the same fate
86. Claudius II, M. Aurelius Claudius, Gothicus. Born A. D.
214. Emperor A. D. 268. Died 270. A great warrior, a wise ruler. He
endeavored to re-establish honest coinage and issued money of copper,
plated or silvered over.
. 87. Quintillus, M. Aurelius. Emperor A. D. 270, reigned but a
few weeks, when, deserted by his soldiers he killed himself. He bears a
high character in history.
88. Aurelianus, Valerius, or L. Domititus. Bom A. D. 270-
Emperor A. D. 270. Treacherously killed A. D. 275. A victorious soldier
and able ruler, the history of his reign is most brilliant.
89. Severina, Ulpia, wife of Aurelianus, seems to have been worthy
her great spouse. Medals and coins were struck in her honor, and prove
that^she survived her husband.
90. Vabalathus, Athenodorus, son of Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra.
He was made Emperor in Syria A. D. 266, and captured by Aurelian 273.
Certain of his coins bear the hxce of Aurelian on the obverse.
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91. Tacitus, M. Claudius. Emperor from Sept. A. D. 275 to April
276. A wise ruler, not ambitious of military glory, but a promoter of all
peaceful arts.
92. Plorianus, M Annius. Born A. D. 232, Half-brother of Ta¬
citus, at whose death he assumed supreme power, ruling from April to June
or July 267, when he was killed either by the revolting soldiers or his own
hand.
' 93. Probus, M, Aurelius. Bom A. D. 232. Son of Maximus. Em¬
peror from 276 to 282, when'murdered. His whole reign was a series of
most brilliant achievements in peace and war.
94. Car US, M. Aurelius. Bom A. D. 230. Successor to Probus-
Reported killed by lightning 283, but probably murdered. More success¬
ful in war than peace. Some coins represent him with Carinus his son.
95. Carinus M. Aurelias, eldest son of Cams. Bom A.,D. 249. Em¬
peror 283. Killed 284. Successful in war, a cruel, profligate and wasteful
ruler, who married and repudiated nine wives.
96. Numerianus, M. Aurelias, brother of Carinus. Born A. D. 254.
Caesar 282. Augustus 283., Died 284. His father-in-law, Arrius Aper, was
killed on suspicion of murdering him. A wise and much beloved ruler/
97. Diocletianus, Valerius. Born A. D. 245. Emperor 284. Adopted
Galerius 292; abdicated 305. Died 313. Of most obscure parentage, he rose
by merit, and well deserved all the honors he gained. But he terribly perse¬
cuted the Christians.
98. Maximianus II. Hercules. Born A. D. 250. The son of a
shepherd. Associated in the Empire with Diocletian in 286; abdicated 3p5;
retook the Empire, 306; abdicated again 308 ; proclaimed himself Empeiror
once more, 309; strangled himself, 310. A distinguished general and bad
man, a relentless persecutor of the Christians.
99. Carausius, M. Aurelius Valerius. Emperor in England
A. D. 287. Assassinated 293. A remarkable mp, who rose from most low¬
ly beginnings. He forced his powerful enemies to become his allies, and
in all acts showed the greatest vigor and prudence. . :
100. Allectus. Emperor in England A. D. 293, by his murder of Ca¬
rausius. Killed 296. A vile character.
101. Julianus, Marcus Aurelianus. GovernorofVenitia in Italy.
Usurped the Imperial power A, D. 284, was conquered and killed 285.
102. ConstantiusI surnamed Chlorus, Flavius Valerius. Born
A. D. 250. Emperor 305 with Galerius, the former being placed over Gaul,
Britain and Spain. He was a wise and just ruler and treated Pagans and
Christians with impartiality and toleration. Died 306.
103. Helena, Flavia Julia Born about A. D. 248.^ Wife of Con¬
stantins I, and mother of Constantinus the Great. She was divorced through
State Policy. A noble lady and true Christian, she died in 328, and honors
were showered upon her memory.
104. Theodora, Flavia Maximiana, second wife of Constantinus
Chlorus, for whom he repudiated Helena.
105. Maximianus II, Galerius Valerius. Adopted and named
Caesar by Dioceletian, A. D. 292. Augustus and Emperor 305. Died 311.
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106. Galeria, Valeria, daughter of Diocelitian, second wife of Max-
imianus II. She and her mother were l^eheaded by order of Licinius, A. D.
315.
107. Sevems, Flavius. Valerius. . Named Caesar by Maximianus
Hercules, A. D. 305; Augustus and Emperor 306. Compelled to put ah
end to himself A. D. 307.
108. Maximinus, Galerius Valerius. Original name Daza, neph¬
ew of Galerius. Named Caesar A. D. 305 ; assumed the title of Emperor 308.
Died of despair or poison 313. A violent, undeserving and ungrateful man.
109. Maxentius, M. AureliusJ son-in-law of Galerius. Emperor
A. D. 806. Drowned in the Tiber 312. A monster of rapacity, cruelty and
all other vices.
110. Urbica, Magnia. Only known by her coins. By some supposed
to be the wife of Maxentius, by others, assigned to Cams, and by others to
Carinus. The coin is pronounced by certain authorities to be a forgery.
111. Romulus, son of Maxentius. Born about A. D. 306; named Csesar
307; Augustus soon after. Died while a boy.
112. Nigrinianus. A Roman Caesar or Augustus. Known only by
his coins. It has been conjectured by some that he was the son of Alex¬
ander, a ursurper of Africa A. D. 311, by others that he was the son
of Cams.
113. Licinius; Publius Flavius Galerius Valerius Lieini-
anus. Born A. D. 263, of peasant parents. Gained friends and rank in the
army; married the daughter of Constantius Chlorus. Named Caesar and
Augustus and Emperor with Galerius Maximianus 307. Prisoner of his
brother-in-law Constantine, and strangled 323. A cold blooded tyrant.
114. Constantinus I., Flavius Valerius Aurelius, surnamed
Magnus, or “ The Great.’^ Born A. D. 274. Son of Constantius Chlorus
and Helena, son-in-law of Maximan us Hercules. Proclaimed C^sar and
Augustus in Britain 306, and Augustus by Maximanus 308. In 811 he
embraced the Christian religion. Became sole Emperor 823. Quitted
Rome in 330, for Byzantium, which he named Constantinople. Died
337.
115. Fausta, Flavia Maximiana. Married to Constantine I. A. D-
307. Caused the death of her step-son, and some historians say, was smoth¬
ered to death in a warm bath by her husband’s order, 326.
116.
117. Licinius, Junior, Flavius Valerius Licinianus, son of
Licinius I. Born A. D. 315. Made Caesar 317. Stripped of all honors and
put to death 326.
118. Crispus, Flavin^ Julius, son of Constantine I. Born about
A. D. 300. Named Caesar Sl7. Gained glory in battle. Put to death by
his father, at the instigation of his step-mother 326.
119. DelmatiuS, Flavius Julius, nephew of Constantine I. Named
Ciesar A. D. 335. Killed 337.
120. Constantinus II., Flavius Claudius, surnamed The
Younger, son of Constantine I. Born A. D. 312. Named Caesar 316.
Ruler of Gaul, Spain and England 335. Emperor and Augustus 337. De¬
feated and killed in battle 340.
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ANCIENT ROMAN COINS
ANCIENT ROMAN COINS.
121. Constans I., Flavius Julius,' youngest son of Constantine I.
Born A. D. 320. Named Csesar 333. Emperor 340. Killed by revolting
soldiers 350. An indolent, weak and profligate man.
122. Magnentius, Flavius Popilius. Born about A. D. 303.
Revolted against Constans I. Proclaimed Emperor 350. Killed him¬
self 353.
123. Decentius, brother or cousin of Magnentius. Named Caesar A. D.
351. Strangled himself 35^.
124. Vetranio. An old General. Proclaimed himself Emperor A. D.
350; abdicated in ten months. Died 356.
125. Constantius II., Flavius Julius, third son of Constantine I.
Born A. D. 317. Created Consul 324. Emperor 350. Died 361. An
artful tyrant.
126. Julianus, Flavius Claudius, surnamed “The Apostate.' ’
Born A. D. 331. Son of Julius Constantius. Named Caesar 355. Sole Em¬
peror 361. Killed in battle 363. In talents, principles and deeds, an ex¬
traordinary man.
127. Jovianus Flavius Claudius. Born A. D. 331. Emperor 363.
Died 364. Professed himself a Christian and put that religion on a legal
basis.
128. Valentinianus I. Born A. D. 321. Emperor 364. Died 375.
He maintained the Catholic faith and forbade alLPagan ceremonials under
penalty of death.
129. Valens, brother of Valentinianus I. Born aboiit A. D. 328. Em¬
peror of the East 364. Persecuted the Catholics, and was himself burned,
to death by Barbarians 378.
130. Gratianus, Aug., son of Valentinianus I. Born A. D. 359; made
Consul 366; Augustus 367 ; Emperor 375. Killed 383. A pious, cflaste and
temperate man, but wanting in firmness.
131. Maximus, Magnus Clemens. Assumed the name of Augus¬
tus in Britain A. D. 383; acknowledged Emperor,= seized upon Italy 387.
Captured and decapitated 388.
132. Victor, Flavius, son of Maximus Magnus. Named Augustus
A. D. 383. Put to death 388.
133. Valentinianus II., or Junior, son of Valentinianus I. Born
A. D. 371. Named Augustus and associated in the Empire 375. Emperor
of all the West 383. Assassinated 392.
134. Theodosius I., surnamed “ The Great.” Born A. D. 346. Named
Augustus and associated in the Empire by Gratian in 379, his division being
the Eastern. Died 395.
136. Flacilla, Aelia, first wife of Theodosius I. Died A. D. 385.
136. Eugenius. Proclaimed Augustus at Vienna A. D. 392. Put to
death two years later by order of Theodosius.
137. Arcadius, son of Theodosius I. Born A. D. 377. Named Caesar
383. Emperor of the East 395. Died 408. A thoroughly incompetent and
weak ruler.
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ANCIENT ROMAN COINS.
138. Eudoxia, iElia, wife of Arcadius. Died A. D. 404 or 406. A
woman of high spirit and possessed of great influence over her hus¬
band.
139. Honorius, Flavius Augustus, second son of Theodosius The
Great. Born A. D. 384. Named Augustus 393. Emperor of the West 395.
Died 423. A weak ruler, his was a disastrous reign.
140. Constaninus III., The Tyrant. Augustus in England and
Gaul A. D. 407. Taken prisoner and put to death 411.
141. Attalus, Priscus. Made Emperor by Alaric at Rome, A. D. 409.
Deprived of his title and resumed it in Gaul 4i0. Died in banishment on
the island of Lipari.
142. Jovinus, a Gaulish Captain. Proclaimed Emperor at Mayence
A. D, 411. Defeated by Adolphus, the Gothic King, and beheaded 413.
143. Theodosius II., only son of Arcadius. BornA. D. 401. Named
Augustus 402. Emperor of the East 408. Died 450. In 438, was pub¬
lished the celebrated Codex Theodosianus. He was a weak ruler and his
kingdom was irianaged by others.
144. Johannes. Bom about A. D. 380. Usurped the purple 423.
Conquered and killed 425.
145. Placidia, Galla, wdfe of Constantinus III. Died at Rome A. D.
450.
146. Valentinianus Placidius. Bom A. D. 419. Emperor 425.
Assassinated 455.
147. Marcianus, brother-in-law of Theodosius II. * Bom A. D. 391.
Emperor of the East 450. Died 457.
148. Leo I., Flavius, sumamed The Great and The Thracian.
Born about A. D. 400, in Thrace. Emperor of the East 457. Died 474.
Distinguished by remarkable talents and high moral qualities.
149. Maximus, Petronis (Anicius). Born A. D. 395. Assumed the'
purple 455. Murdered after a reign of about three months.
150. Severus, Libius. Proclaimed Emperor of the West at Ravenna,.
A. D. 461. Died 465.
151. Anthemius, Procopius, son-in-law of Marcianus. .Emperor
of the West A. D. 467. Killed 473.
152. Glycerius. Epiperor A. D.473. Dethroned by Julius Nepos 474,.
and became Bishop of Salona. Died 4^0.
153. Nepos, Julius. The last Emperor but one of the Western
Empire. Created Emperor A. D. 474. Was deposed by Orestes and
killed 480.
154. Leo, Junior. Born A. D. 459, succeeded Leo I. as Emperor of
the East, 474. Died after a reign of six months.
155. Zeno or Zenon, original name Trascalisseus. Born A. D. 426.
Son-in-law of Leo 1., father of Leo II., and associated with the latter in the
Eastern Empire 474. Abdicated 476; regained sovereignty 477. Died 491.
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ANCIENT ROMAN COINS.
156. Basiliscus, brother-in-law of Leo I. A, D. 476, he drove Zeno from
the throne and declared himself Emperor of the East. Zeno, next year
conquered and captured him, and with his family he was imprisoned in
Cappadocia, and all were starved to death.
157. Augustulus, Romulus. The last Roman Emperor of the West.
Son (tf Orestes, who proclaimed him Emperor A. D. 475, after driving out
J ulius Nepos. Orestes was the actual ruler until he was defeated and killed
by Odoacer. Augustulus Romulus, on account of his youth, beauty and
innocence, was spared, but exiled to Campania. His ultimate fate is
unknown.
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The Jewish people possessed no positive coinage until the time of their sub¬
jection to the Kings of Syria, of the Seleuciclan dynasty, about B. C. 312, when
Greek currency, established throughout the East since the Macedonian conquest,
circulated also in Judea, until the tyranny of Antiochus Epiphanes, in B. C. 176,
caused the revolt of Mattathias, the chief priest, when his son Judas Maccabeus,
heading the revolt, eventually re-established the long lost independence of Judea,
and to his successor, Simon, was conceded by Antiochus, the son of Demetrius,
the right of coining national money, the earliest of which was issued about B. C.
144, in pieces of one, two, and four silver shekels, bearing different types, all
relating to the ceremonial of Judaic worship.
1. Shekel of Simon Maccaboeus. Obverse, a cup or chalice; legend, Shekel
of Israel^ year 2; Keverse, a triple.lily; legend, Jerusalem the holy."^"^ B. C.
144.
2. Half-Shekel of Simon Maccaboeus. Obverse, similar to ISTo. 1; legend.
Half-Shekel^ year 2; ” Beverse, same as Ko. 1.
3. Copper coin of Simon Maccaboeus. Obverse, two bunches of thickly-leaved
branches; legend, ''Hn the fourth year—‘One half;‘^^ Beverse, Palm tree between
two baskets of dates, etc.; legend, “ The redemijtion of Zion.’’^
4. Copper coin of Simon Maccaboeus. Obverse, two bundles of branches;
legend, “ Jn the fourth year—one quarter Beverse, an ethrog; legend, same as
on No. 3.
5. A Sixth of a Shekel, copper, of Simon Maccaboeus. Obverse, a cup or
chalice; legend, The redemption of Zion;"^^ Beverse, a bundle of branches be¬
tween two ethrogs ; legend, In the fourth yearJ"^
6. Copper coin of Simon, son of Gioras, under the first revolt of the Jews.
Obverse, cluster of grapes, with the name ‘‘ Simon above ; Beverse, a pitcher
and palm branch ; legend, “ Second year of the deliverance of IsraeV^
7. Copper coin of Simon. Obverse, the leg<5nd, “ Simon, Prince of Israel, on
either side of a palm tree; Beverse, the legend, “ First year of the redempt^xm of
Israel around a vine-leaf.
8. Silver coin of Simon Bar-cochab during the second revolt of the Jews. Ob¬
verse, legend, Simon round a cluster of grapes: Beverse, The Deliverance
of Jerwsa^em,” around two trumpets. The coin was originally a denarius of
Trajan, which has been re-struck.
Widow’s Mite.
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MEDIAEVAL COINS
Ill ivoiisiaiiiiiifip f, reigiuni irom lo o;:w, wiicn,
with all his family, he was murclerod by IMiocas.
No. 10. TniKHius, named Caisar, Avith his
brother Heraelius, A. D. OTiO. Associated in the
Empire with their brother l*ogonatus 608. Killed,
67-1.
No. 11. Michael II., Emperor A. E. 820. Eied
820.
No. 12. Michael HI, Emperor A. E. 812. As¬
sassinate* 1 807 ; the reverse shows Michael and
his son Constant!nn.s.
No. 1.3. I.KO III., Emperor A. E. 717. Eied711;
and his son f'onstantinns V.
No. 14. Nicephoriis, Emperor A. E. 712. Died
71.3.
No. I.*!. Is.AAcn'^S I., snrnamed Commenus ;
Emperor A. 1). 10.")7; alxlicated lll.'iO; died 1001.
No. 10. Theodoku.s I., Emperor A. E. 1201.
Died 1222.
No. 17. Theodoru.s HI., Emperor 125.5.
12.59.
Eied
No. 18. CONSTANTINU.S and Adronicus, A. E.
1007.
No. 19. WiLLTA^M, A. E. 12.M. Holland.
i^O. .IS. .JOA>lV.\, (
No. 39. Cathaih>
No. 40. Fkhdina^
and llohemia.
No. 11. Emzabet
No. 12. EKHIHNAf
Archdnke Austria, (
No. 43. Carolus,
tria.
No. 44. Joanna ]\]
died 1.578. France.
No. 45. Barbara.
1.572.
No. 40. C.esarM/
Hungary, etc.
No. 17. Eli.*..v.bet:
Queen France.
No. 48. \\'en(’ksl.
Archduke Austria, (
No. 19. (\esar R
ehx’ted 1.575. (lerimi
^o. .50. C.ESAR
1008. Hungary.
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Google
Geiris, Garrett ^^reagtieat lt\e ^erld
AND THEIR
VALUATION AT UNITED STATES and ENGLISH STANDARDS.
From tlie latest governmental reports of all countries possessing metallic currency, their national
valuation has been compiled and is here given, computed at the standards of the U. S, and
Great Britain ; any variation from owv plate statements, or those on the U. S. Official Table, are in
consequence of the calculations being made from the sources mentioned. To purchase goods
with this money in the U. S., a loss through discount on the values here given would be sustained;
to buy the coins, a premium, in some cases very high, would have to be paid.
The nations composing the latin union, have equalized their standard for large coins ; the
Five Franc pieces of France, Belgium and Switzerland; the Five lire of Italy, live Pesetas and
Twenty Reals of Spain, Five Drachmi of Greece, Five Boliviars of Venezuela and Peso of Chili,
each \veigh 385.808 grains, are 900 fine, and contain 347.227 grains of pure silver, worth 72^ cents,
U. S., and 3s. 43^d., English standard, the metal being calculated at $1 per oz., and 4s. 2d. per oz.,
respectively, and 1000 fine; their current value is 96)^ cts. in this country, and 4s. in England.
Chili and Venezuela are not of the Union, but their coinage is regulated by its standard.
To designate the metal in which these coins are minted, g, indicates gold ; 5, silver, and 6, base,
which latter term includes all pieces not struck in gold or silver.
COUNTRY. COINS. U.
Abyssinia. Haraf, h
PataKa, s
Afghanistan.
Kwan, s
Mas, s
Sapeck, h
Africa (Portugal).
Macutta, s
Algiers. Kial-Boudjou, .
Annam. Kwan, s
Mas,
Sapeck, b
Arabia. Caveer, b
Diwana, b
Dollar, Mocha, s
Gass, b
Krush, s
Mahmudi, s
Piaster, s
Argentine Republic.
/ La \Oeiitavo, b
\Plata.;Onza (1813-32), n
Oliza (1833-50), g
Peso Puerte, s
Real, s
Asia (French). Cash, 6
Farion, s
Austria. Ducat, g
‘‘ (Hungary), g
Quadr’pi.,or
Florin, g
New-Kreutzer, b
Scudo, s
Thaler, J-jevantine, s
Species, ^
vereins, s
Vereins-Krone, g
Azores. Milreis, 5
Baden. Florin, s
Batavia. Rix Dollar, ^
Stiver, &
Bavaria. Caroline, a
D’bl Gulden, s
Ducat, g
Florin, s
Ludwig d’or, g
Max d’Or, <7
Belgium. Centavo, b
Prane, s
S. VAL.
$ 4.34
99 .96
66.98
6 .69
.11
5.35
S 36.10
66 .98
6 .69
.11
1.04
.99
83
.25
28 .85
5 .09
83.37
.95
15.51 .46
14.65 .79
90 .90
10
.32
5 .72
2.28 .28
2.29.16
9.13 .20
48 .23
41 .30
.41
1. 2 .60
99 .96
1. 2.30
71 .40
6,64 .20
83 ,50
40
75
1 ,56
4.99 .20
81.50
2.28 .76
41
3.43 .85
3.34 ,14
.19
19 .30
GT. BRIT
. VAL.
2S.
17d
4S.
Id
2s.
9.49d
3.34d
.05d
2.67d
Is.
6.05d
2S.
9.49d
3.34d
5.05d
.52d
49d
3S.
5d
.12d
Is.
2.42d
2. .54a
3s.
5.18d
48d
.3. 3s.
in. 2.3d
3.
4.39fl
4s.
Id
5d
.16d
2.S6d
9S.
4.7.5d
9s.
5.25d
I.17s.
7.25d
28.
l,50d
2s.
.20d
4s.
2.80d
4s.
Id
4s.
2.15d
.3s.
1. 78.
3.75d
3s.
5.50d
is.
8..50(1
3s.
Id
7.Sd
1.
6.10(1
.3s.
5.12(1
9s.
4.7.5(1
1.S.
8,50d
14s.
2d
13s.
9.07d
.nod
9.65d
1 COUNTRY. COINS. U. S. VAL.
GT. BRIT. VAL.
Bolivia. Boliviano, s
§ 83.60
4s. .50(1
Centavo, b
.83
42d
Peso, s
83.60
4s. .50d
Real, s
9.65
4.82d
Brazil. Joao, g
8.71 .95
1.15s. 10.75d
Milreis 1 s
54 .50
2s. I.l2d
Patacao, s
1. 6 .57
4S. 4.78d
Kei, h
.05
.02d
Brunswick. Pistole, g
3.95 .93
16S. 3d
Burmah. Bat, s
43.48
2s.
Fuang, s
6 .06
3.03d
Sal, 6-
12.12
6.06d
Canada and Newfoundland.
Cent, h
1
.50d
Dollar, s
Central America.
1.
4s. 1.50d
Centavo, b
.83
.41d
Doubloon, g
14.96 .58
3. Is. 6d
Dollar, s
83 .60
4s. .50d
Onza, g
14.96 .58
3. Is. 6d
Peso, s
83 .60
4s. .gOd
Chili. Condor, g
9.12.30
1. 7s. 6d
Doubloon, g
4.56 .10
18s. 9d
Escudo, 6-
1.82 .40
7s. 6a
Peso, s
91 .20
4s. Id
China. Taels,
Colombia, U. S. A.
1.61
6s. 9.50d
Bogota, 20 Pesos, g
18.90 .20
3.17s. O.lOd
Centavo, b
.83
.48d
Condor, g
9.64 .76
1.19s. 7.75d
Deoimo, s
8 .36
4.82d
Doubloon, g
15.56 .10
3. 4s. 9.5Cd
Medellin, g
9. 1 .60
1.18s. 2,50d
Peso, s
93 .60
4S.
Denmark.
Christian d’Or, g
3.95 .47
16s. 3d
Crown. .9
26 .80
Is. 1.22d
Frederick d’Or, g
3.95 .47
16s. 3(1
Kroner, s
26 .80
IS. 1.22d
Ore, b
.26
.13d
Dominician Republic.
(’entavo, b
.95
.48d
Gourd, s
1.
4S. 1.50d
Piaster, s
95
4s.
Ecuador. Centavo, b
.83
.41d
Peso, s
91 .60
4s.
Quaclr’pl Escudo, g
Eg.Ypt. Asper,
7.55 .50
.04
1 12s. Id
.f2d
Gersli, b
4 .97
2.4Sd
Para-, b
.12
.06d
175
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COUNTRY. COIN.
U. S. VAL.
GT. BIII'B. 5GVL
Plaster, b
4 .97
2.4Sd
Finland. Mfirklca, s
19 .30
9.75d
Penni, b
■ .19
.09d
France. Centime, b
.19
.OSd
Franc, s
19 .30
• 9.7r)a
Louis d’Or (1785), g
S 4.60 .04
18s. 9.75d
“ (1800-^0). g
V GT A 5 Casli, b
3.82 ..58
15s. 10.25d
.32
.I6d
1 Fanon, s
5.72
2.86d
German Kmpire.
Crown, g
2.38
9s. 9.47d
Doppelltrone, g
4.76
19s. 6.95d
lirone, g
2.31
9s. 9.47d
Mark, s
23 .80
. l],90d
Pfennig, b
.23
.lid
Germany.
Double Thaler, 8
'I'haler, 6*
1.42 .50
es.
. 71 .40
2s. l].75d
Vereins-Krone, g
6.64 .20
£>L 76. 3.75d
‘ ‘ Thaler, 8
71 .‘W
2s. 11.25d
Great Britajln.
( T’own. 6*
1.11 .05
5s.
Farthing, b
.50
.25d
Florin, s
48 .60
2s.
Guinea, g
5. 05 .65
1 is.
Penny, h
02 .02
Id
Pound Sterling, g
4.86 ,65
1
Sluiliug, .s-
24 .30
Is
Sovereign, g
4.86 .65
1
Greece.
Drachmas (20), g
3.85
4S
Dracliina, a
10
9..50d
Lepta 6‘
.19
.95d
Phoenix, s
17 .42
8.76d
Hanover.
Tnulwig d’Or, g
3.95 .93
16s. 3.37d
Hesse-Darmstadt.
Karol in, g
4.99 .20
1 6d
Hungary. Duoat, g
2.29 .16
9s. 5.2od
India. Anna, b
2 .48
1.2*ld
Pice, h.
.6ri
,34d
Pie. b '
.22
.lid
Rupee, 8
39 .70
is. H.2od
Ionian Islands.
Obolo, b
.96
.48d
Italy. Oentisimo, b
.19
.09d
Lira, s
19 .30
9.65d
Sequin, g
2.29 .16
9s.. 5.83d
Sovrano, g
6.77 .83
1 7s. 10.2.5d
Zecchine, g
2.21) .16
9s. 5.83d
Japan. Icakane, g
2.92 .80
12s. .4Cd
Itzebu, s
.36 .50
is. 6.25d
Kobang, g
4.44 .60
18s. 3.3Ud
“ (Imperial), g
5.79 .30
1 .3s. lO.lod
Yen, 8
1.
4s. l.SL'd
Sen, h
1
.50d
Trade Dollars, s
78
.39d
Liberia. Cent, b
1
.50d
10 Cent, 6‘
10
5d
25 Cent, .«?
25
12.50d
Madras. Mohur, g
7.06 .96
1 9S. 2d
Star-Paged a, .s*
1.84
7s. 7d
Malta, (^rano, b
.16
.83d
Scudo. tv
70
2s. lid
Taro, b
3 .33
1.66a
Mexico.
Doubloon, g
15.52 .08
3 4S. 8.25d
Peso, .V
90 .90
4S. 2d
Real, s
Netlierland (Holland)
10
5d
.17d
Cent, b
.38
Double Ducat, g
4.56
18s. 8.25d
“ William, g
7.99 .40
1 6S. 6..50d
Ducat, g
2.28 .34
9S. 4.50d
Florin, s
40 .20
IS. 8.37d
Ryder, g
1.31 .89
5S. 5.44d
Stiver, b
1 .50
.75(1
Norway. Crown, 8
26 .80
is. 1.22(1
Koner. s
26 .80
Is. 1.22(1
Oere, b
.26
.13d
Paraguay. Centavo, b
.95
.48(1
I*eso, s
95 .20
4S. Id
Real, 5
9 .65
4.82d
Persia. Abassee, b
4 .43
/ 2.21d
Dinar, b
.02
.01(1
Dinar-Bistee, b
.22
.11(1
Kasbequi, b
.11
.05(1
I COUNTRY. COIN. 1
U. S.VAL.
GT. BRIT. VAL.
Kiran, s
S 22.16
& 11.08(1
Mabmudi, b
.21
1.10(1
Paiiabat, $
11 .08
5.54d
Rupee, 6‘
37..2
Is 9 id
Shatree, b
Toman, g
1 .10
.55(1
2.21 .64
9.S. Id
Peru. Centavo, b
•83
.4ld
Sol s
93 .60
4s.
Pondicherry.
MCon-Pagoda, g
1.60 .15
6s. 07.07(1
Poland. Zloty, s
11 .46
05.73d
PortiU>'al. Coroa,, g
10.80 .00
2. 4S. 5d.
Milreis, 8
10. 80
2. 4S. 1.25(1
Rei, b
10
.05(1
Africa. Macutta, 8
5 .35
2.67d
Prussia.
Frederick d’Or, g
4. .96
16s. 05.75. d
Koumaiiia.
Ban l^ara, b
.19
.09d
Lei, 8
19 .30 ,
9.65(1
Lou, 8
.07(1
Kussia. Deneslika, b
.33
.16d
Ducat, -g
Grievonik, s
2.28 .34
9s. 4.50d
6 .6!)
3.34(1
Imperial, g
7.97 .20
1. 12s. 9.25(1
Kopjika, h
.66
.33(1
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3 .31
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3.9S .60
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1
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10
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1.00
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August d’Or, g
4.00 .98
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Servia. Dinar, s
19 .30
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60 .46
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Fuang 8
7 .55
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15 .11
7.55(1
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60 .46
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Spain. Centime, b
.19
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50
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5.51 .60
1. 7.50(1
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50
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19 .30
9,05(1
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96 .90
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5
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46 .80
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Sweden. Crown, s
26 .80
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26 .80
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99 .96
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Switzerland.
Centime, '6
.19
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9.65(1
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4 .30
2.15(1
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74 .80
3s. 1(1
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.04
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4 .22
2.11(1
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.73
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11. 80
5.90(1
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11 .80
0.90(1
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.49
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21 .93
10.96d
Tilla^ g
2.71 .55
ns. 2.27(1
Turkey. Asper, b
.04
.02(1
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2.19 .60
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4 .22
2. lid
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4 .30
2.15(1
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4.30
17.S. 08.50(1
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85 .68
3,S. 6.3-Id
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.10
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4.30
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United States of America*
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1
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Dime, s
10
5(1
Dollar, g and 8
1.
4S, 1.50(1
Double Eagle, g
20.
2. is. Id
ICagle, g
10.
1. 6.50(1
Uruguay. Patacon,
Venezuela. Centavos, &
94 .98
4s. Id.
.71
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Peso, 8
71 .40
2s. n.7oa
Zanzibar.
Dollar Januario s
99 .96
4S. Id
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